TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan and Palau inked the "Joint Declaration on Promoting Tourism Development and Investment in Palau" to enhance bilateral economic and trade cooperation on Friday (Sept. 27).
The World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (WTCC) inked the joint declaration with Palau President Surangel Whipps, Jr. during the 30th annual WTCC meeting, per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Whipps arrived in Taiwan on Friday for a two-day trip.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) thanked Whipps' consistent support for Taiwan in international forums, and advocating for its participation on the global stage. Lai also encouraged WTCC members to visit Palau to experience its beauty and explore investment opportunities.
Whipps expressed gratitude for Taiwan’s long-standing support in promoting Palau's tourism and economic development. He highlighted the deepening economic cooperation between Palauan and Taiwanese businesses and noted that this year marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 30th anniversary of Palau’s independence. He looked forward to further bolstering bilateral ties.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) also said he appreciated Whipps for defending Taiwan's right to participate in international organizations such as the UN, the World Health Organization, and INTERPOL at the UN General Assembly on Sept. 23.
At the general assembly’s Summit of the Future, Whipps had said Taiwan made "valuable contributions to global sustainable development and technical cooperation.” He pointed out the hypocrisy of Taiwan’s exclusion despite the organization’s mission of “leaving no one behind.”
MOFA said the signing of the joint declaration “is a concrete achievement of Taiwan’s economic diplomacy.” The WTCC will collaborate closely with the Palauan government to promote tourism and encourage its members to seek business opportunities in Palau, the ministry said.
Palau is a crucial ally of Taiwan and relations have remained solid since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1999, it added.
The effort to promote Palauan tourism comes as China increases pressure on the Pacific Island nation. In August, Whipps revealed China was weaponizing tourism as a means to force Palau to sever ties with Taiwan. "We have a relationship with Taiwan ... China has openly told us (that) is illegal and we should not recognize Taiwan," he said at a press conference.
"We need economic development, but at the same time we have values, we have partnerships, and the relationship we have with Taiwan, we treasure," he added. “Our relationship with Taiwan should not be questioned by anyone."
