TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Lai Ching-te (賴清德) praised the close ties between Taiwan and Tuvalu while on a whirlwind visit to the Pacific Island nation on Wednesday (Dec. 4).

In a speech, Taiwan’s president hoped to expand the partnership through this visit. He also emphasized the shared goal of progress and greater happiness for both peoples, per the Presidential Office.

Lai highlighted Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo and Parliament Speaker Iakoba Taeia Italeli’s trips to Taiwan this year as demonstrations of the strong bond between the two countries. He added he was deeply touched by the warm welcome from Tuvaluan students waving the national flags of both countries and the formal reception by Tuvalu’s ceremonial honor guard.  

The president is on a week-long tour of Taiwan’s South Pacific allies to promote smart sustainability and sustainable democracy. He stopped in Hawaii earlier this week and arrived in Guam on Wednesday night. AIT Managing Director Ingrid Larson and Guam Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero greeted him on the tarmac. 

Lai will meet with Guerrero on Thursday morning. Beijing has protested Lai’s stops in US territory and is expected to conduct military drills in response to his trip. 

The president's last stop is Palau. There, Lai is slated to meet President Surangel Whipps Jr. and visit the National Congress.