TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Palau has begun discussions with partners, including Taiwan, in preparation for hosting this year’s Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Michael Lin (林昭宏), director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said Tuesday.

Palau, one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, wants to ensure a successful PIF, Lin said at a press conference. The Palauan government is considering how to use the opportunity to demonstrate to participating delegations the tangible achievements of democratic cooperation in promoting regional development, good governance, and resilience, he added.

The forum will run from Aug. 30 to Sept. 4. Lin said Taiwan and Palau have worked closely for many years in areas such as agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, talent cultivation, and infrastructure development. Taiwan is willing to coordinate with the Palauan government to present the outcomes of this cooperation during the forum, he said.

Lin expressed confidence that Palau will uphold the traditions, practices and the “Pacific Way” spirit of the PIF. Taiwan will organize a delegation to participate in related meetings and activities under the designation of a “development partner,” he said.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said in December that Taiwan would assist Palau in establishing green transportation systems to ferry visiting dignitaries during the PIF. After the forum, the services will continue to benefit locals and contribute to the country’s environmental sustainability goals.

In September, the Solomon Islands blocked Taiwan, the US, China and 21 other donor countries from the 2025 PIF.