New Southbound Policy Portal

President Tsai Ing-wen and President-elect Surangel Whipps Jr. discussed ways of deepening friendship and expanding exchanges between Taiwan and Palau during a virtual staged Jan. 12, according to the Presidential Office.
 
The two countries share a deep-rooted partnership hallmarked by successful cooperation across a broad spectrum of areas spanning agriculture, clean energy, education, health care and infrastructure, Tsai said. The strength of relations is underscored by Palau’s staunch support for Taiwan in the global arena, she added.
 
Tsai said Taiwan is leaving no stone unturned in assisting Palau bolster its response to COVID-19, citing donations of surgical masks, testing equipment and other essential medical items, as well as arranging charter flights bringing patients to Taiwan for treatment.
 
Such support demonstrates the importance of international unity in combating coronavirus, Tsai said, adding that she is confident the Taiwan Model will continue safeguarding the health and well-being of the people of both sides.
 
Tsai took the opportunity to again congratulate Whipps and Vice President-elect J. Uduch Sengebau Senior on winning last November’s presidential election in Palau. She also announced Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu as her special envoy and head of the Taiwan delegation for the inauguration taking place Jan. 21 in the Western Pacific ally.
 
In a tweet on the official account of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the MOFA said “Minister Wu is @iingwen’s special envoy for the inauguration of #Palau President-elect Surangel Whipps Jr. & VP-elect J. Uduch Sengebau Senior. During the Jan. 20-22 trip, he’ll meet with @TommyRemengesau, National Congress leaders & tour #Taiwan-backed cooperation projects.”
 
Whipps, in response, thanked Tsai for her warm wishes and Taiwan’s assistance in boosting Palau’s fight against the pandemic under the auspices of a bilateral medical agreement. He looks forward to meeting with Tsai in the future and identifying opportunities for additional collaboration.
 
Taiwan and Palau celebrated 20 years of diplomatic relations in 2019. They share a rich Austronesian heritage and are working together to advance peace, stability and sustainable development across the Indo-Pacific. (YCH-E)
 
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