TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) expressed hope for closer ties between Taiwan and Oklahoma during a meeting with Governor Kevin Stitt on Monday (Dec. 9).
Lai praised Stitt’s consistent support for Taiwan and highlighted the close collaboration between the two sides since establishing sister ties in 1980, per the Presidential Office. He pointed to a delegation visit in September to advance drone cooperation and the planned signing of an economic, energy, and trade cooperation agreement as examples of the enduring friendship between Taiwan and Oklahoma.
Stitt noted that the September delegation led to multiple memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on drone cooperation. He expressed pride in Oklahoma’s advancements in aerospace and its role as a hub for autonomous technologies, which he said are critical to Taiwan.
The governor also emphasized the importance of deepening collaboration in drones and autonomous systems. The forthcoming agreement, he said, will expand partnerships in aerospace, drones, energy, and critical mineral supply chains. Stitt added that he looked forward to working with Taiwan to enhance trade and investment, bringing prosperity to both sides.
In July, Oklahoma received NT$1.6 billion (US$51 million) in federal funding to develop a hub in Tulsa specializing in autonomous technologies, including drones.
