TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Marshall Islands President Hilda C. Heine vowed that her country will remain Taiwan's “staunch ally” while meeting with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday (Dec. 3). 

During his visit to the Republic of the Marshall Islands as part of his “Smart and Sustainable Development for a Prosperous Austronesian Region Tour,” Lai held discussions with Heine and her cabinet members in the afternoon. Speaking through an interpreter, Lai told Heine, "Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share a traditional Austronesian culture as well as the values of freedom and democracy," per Channel News Asia. 

Lai expressed appreciation for Heine's advocacy for Taiwan on the international stage, per CNA. He cited her vocal support at this year's Pacific Islands Forum in August, the UN General Assembly in September, and COP29 in November as examples.

Lai commended Heine for being the first female president of the Marshall Islands and the first female leader of a Pacific sovereign country. He expressed his admiration for her dedication to advancing women's rights and addressing the impacts of climate change.

Lai said that over the years, Taiwan and the Marshall Islands have laid a solid foundation of collaboration, particularly in empowering women and tackling climate change. He expressed hope that the two countries will continue to achieve more collaborative results across various fields and looked forward to deepening the friendship through mutual exchanges of ideas.

Heine welcomed Lai and his delegation on behalf of the government and the people of the Marshall Islands. She expressed gratitude for the hospitality she received when attending Lai's inauguration in May.

Heine said Lai’s visit underscores the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries. She said that over the past 26 years, the friendship between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands has grown stronger, with both sides eager to further deepen ties. 

She then reaffirmed her country's commitment to Taiwan: "I wish to assure you that the Republic of the Marshall Islands will remain a staunch ally and continue to voice and support Taiwan's inclusion in the United Nations and all other regional and international organizations," per AFP.