TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) has been selected to lead a delegation to attend the inauguration of Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. next week.
Whipps, who was reelected in November, will be sworn in on Jan. 16.
Lin’s trip follows discussions initiated during Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) visit to Palau in December and aims to strengthen Taiwan-Palau relations, according to CNA. Representatives from sectors including smart healthcare, tourism, and transportation will join the delegation.
The group will also include an industry exploratory team led by Taiwan International Ports Corporation Chairman Lee Hsien-yi (李賢義). The team will attend briefings on Palau’s investment environment and industry developments, while engaging with Palauan officials and business leaders to explore opportunities for economic and trade collaboration.
During his visit to Palau last month, Lai praised the close ties between Taiwan and Palau. “Taiwan and Palau are both important bastions of democracy against authoritarian expansionism,” he said in a speech at the Palau National Congress.
Palau has been urging its regional neighbors to seek economic and development aid from Taiwan. “Taiwan is a country you can work with. We are evidence of that,” Palau Ambassador to Taiwan David Orrukem said in an interview with Taiwan News in November.