TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) attended the Marshall Islands’ Constitution Day reception on Friday (May 3).

According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) press release, this year marks the Marshall Islands’ 45th Constitution Day. It marks the island country’s independence from the U.S. on May 1, 1979.

In a speech, Wu congratulated the government and people of the Marshall Islands and said this year also marks the 26th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands, per CNA. 

“Over the years, the two countries have achieved fruitful cooperation in various fields such as healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and climate change,” the minister said.

“The Marshall Islands has consistently supported Taiwan's participation in international organizations such as the UN, WHO, and INTERPOL,” Wu said. “Furthermore, the Marshall Islands Parliament recently passed two pro-Taiwan resolutions, demonstrating concrete support for the two countries’ friendship.”

“Both countries will continue to work together to promote prosperity, development, and enhance the well-being of their people,” Wu added.

The Marshall Islands Ambassador to Taiwan Anjanette Kattil in her speech reminisced about the pioneering spirit and sacrifices of the Marshall Islands since its autonomy in 1979.  

The Marshall Islands is one of 12 of Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies.