TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) became the first Taiwanese president in history to visit the Legislature of Guam on Thursday (Dec. 5).
Lai was invited to visit Guam's governing body in the morning. Attendees included American Institute in Taiwan Managing Director Ingrid Larson, Speaker Therese M. Terlaje, Vice Speaker Tina Rose Muna Barnes, and several senators, who welcomed President Lai.
During Lai's visit, Terlaje delivered a speech and presented him with a resolution welcoming the delegation and “extending appreciation for Taiwan's significant contributions to Guam's economy and community.” In addition, she gifted him a “latte” (pillar) carved from native ifit wood adorned with the Guam seal and the Taiwan flag symbolizing the “fortitude and resilience" of Guam's people.

While delivering remarks, Lai greeted the senators in Guam’s native Chamorro language, saying, "Hafa Adai" (Hello). Lai said it was an honor to be invited to visit the Legislature of Guam and receive the resolution passed by the body.
He pointed out that the legislature has passed resolutions supporting Taiwan’s international participation for four consecutive years, playing an important role in helping Taiwan engage with the world. He extended his sincerest gratitude on behalf of the Taiwanese.
Lai said Taiwan and Guam's deep ties are rooted in their shared Austronesian heritage. He described the relationship as “like family members to each other,” united by universal values of democracy, freedom, and human rights.

He expressed confidence that the foundations built through the legislature's resolutions would continue to deepen collaboration in education, transportation, industrial cooperation, economy, trade, and culture.
He said that with the COVID-19 pandemic over, direct flights between Taiwan and Guam resumed last week. Lai took the opportunity to invite all Guam senators to visit Taiwan to experience Taiwanese hospitality and further advance exchanges in tourism, agriculture, and indigenous culture, creating mutual benefits for the people.
Lai concluded by emphasizing the importance of deepening cooperative relations between Taiwan and Guam to become “the crucial force in defending freedom and democracy in the first island chain.”
Party and government sources told CNA that Lai’s visit to Guam's legislature marks the first time a Taiwanese president has entered the legislative body. They also emphasized that the four-strait years of resolutions favoring Taiwan have occurred since Taiwan's representative office in Guam reopened in 2020.
