TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan signed a memorandum of understanding with its Pacific ally of Palau on Friday to promote solar panel coating technology cooperation.

Palau Minister of State Gustav Aitaro described the agreement as a milestone on the road to sustainable development for both countries, per CNA. The island nation is one of Taiwan’s 12 official diplomatic allies, with close relations marked by bilateral agreements and the development of tourism, agriculture, and technology.

Aitaro signed the memorandum during a visit to Taiwan’s Ministry of Interior Architecture and Building Experiment Center. He emphasized that technological progress should not come at the cost of the environment and local culture.

The color-painted solar panel coating mentioned under the agreement did not clash with the natural environment, he said. The two countries would also cooperate on the launch of electric three-wheel vehicles, exchanges for carbon credits, and the installation of solar panels at popular tourist sights.