President Tsai Ing-wen received Nauru President Baron Divavesi Waqa at the Office of the President Jan. 8 in Taipei City, vowing to enhance relations with the diplomatic ally across the board for the benefit of the people of both nations.
 
The healthy state of bilateral ties is underscored by frequent high-level interactions, Tsai said, citing the participation of a Taiwan legislative delegation in the General Assembly and Council Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Union in Nauru last September. During this visit, Taiwan also earned the right to host the 2019 gathering, she added.
 
Tsai also extended gratitude on behalf of the government and people for Nauru’s continued strong support for Taiwan. Related efforts in this regard include the passage in March 2018 of the Central Pacific ally’s first parliamentary resolution backing Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the U.N. system.
 
Last year, Waqa also spoke up for Taiwan during the U.N. General Assembly, the Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the 49th Pacific Islands Forum in Nauru.
 
According to Tsai, as a responsible member of the Asia-Pacific, Taiwan will continue to do its upmost to safeguard peace and stability. The nation is also committed to bolstering cooperation with allies and like-minded partners on promoting prosperity throughout the region, she said.
 
In response, Waqa praised the deep and long-standing ties between the two sides and conveyed gratitude for Taiwan’s ongoing support of the island nation’s development.
 
Nauru’s population may be small, but the country is a steadfast friend of Taiwan and treasures their partnership, Waqa said, adding that he hopes to see Taiwan’s regional influence continue to expand so that bilateral ties will grow ever stronger.
 
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Waqa is leading a 13-member delegation on a five-day state visit. The countries maintain robust cooperation in areas spanning agriculture, clean energy, culture, medical care and public health. (SFC-E)