TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) is planning a visit to Tuvalu to meet Prime Minister Feleti Penitala Teo, the Presidential Office said on Tuesday (Oct. 8).
The Pacific island nation is one of Taiwan’s 12 diplomatic allies. Teo said he hopes the president stays overnight, as the country is even more beautiful at night than day, per CNA.
Teo, who will attend Taiwan’s National Day celebrations on Thursday (Oct. 10), already visited the country for Lai’s inauguration in May. As trip preparations are underway, he will wait for Taiwan to announce the dates before discussing details.
Teo said he wants Lai to witness the climate change challenges Tuvalu faces. According to present trends, Teo added 50% of Tuvalu will be submerged by the ocean in 2050, and 90% by 2100.
Teo thanked Taiwan for assistance with a land reclamation program to contain erosion by rising ocean waters. Taipei also helped Tuvalu build a new parliament and provided air conditioners to equip classrooms.