TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – New Tuvalu Ambassador Lily Tangisia Faavae presented her credentials to President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) Tuesday.

The Pacific Island nation is one of Taiwan’s 12 official diplomatic allies. Lai thanked the envoy for her country’s support for Taiwan’s international participation, while expressing hope the two sides could boost peace, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific, the Liberty Times reported.

Cooperation between Taiwan and Tuvalu has produced results in agriculture, fisheries, telecommunications, and healthcare, according to Lai. He also pointed out Faavae’s statements at the World Health Assembly supporting Taiwan when she was serving as deputy health minister.

Her appointment to serve in Taipei represented Prime Minister Feleti Teo’s high regard for diplomatic relations with Taiwan, Lai added. In her response, Faavae thanked Taiwan for its support of climate change, a major concern for the small Pacific Island nation.

President Lai visited Tuvalu in December 2024 during a tour of Pacific allies which also included the Marshall Islands and Palau.