TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Marshall Islands Ambassador to Taiwan Anjanette Kattil hailed the longstanding partnership between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands on Friday.
Speaking at a celebration marking the Marshall Islands’ 47th Constitution Day, Kattil said diplomatic relations between the two countries were “founded upon shared democratic values, mutual respect, and genuine friendship.”
Kattil said Taiwan “remains a trusted and steadfast partner” through cooperation in healthcare, renewable energy, agriculture, and other areas. The bilateral Economic Cooperation Agreement, which took effect in January 2025, has also led to stronger economic cooperation, she said.
The ambassador said she looked forward to deeper cooperation, which “will contribute to sustainable development, resilience, and shared prosperity for our peoples.”
Kattil said the Marshall Islands remains unwavering in its support for Taiwan’s global participation, adding that Taiwan’s global contributions “are indispensable.”
“The continued exclusion of Taiwan from international organizations and mechanisms undermines the collective interests of the global community and deprives the world of a valuable and responsible partner,” she said.
The Taiwan-Marshall Islands partnership is “a testament to what can be achieved” when bilateral ties are built on mutual trust and “a common commitment to peace,” Kattil said.
The ambassador’s comments come as Taiwan seeks to bolster ties with the Pacific Island nation and other regional allies to counter China’s expanding presence.
Taiwan’s Navy sent the Pan Shi fast combat support ship to the Marshall Islands for a two-day stop in March. Rear Admiral Chen Ming-feng (陳明峯) led the Midshipmen and Cruising Training Squadron during the visit.
This was the first port of call of their training voyage, “symbolizing the close and enduring friendship between the two nations,” according to the Taiwan Embassy in the Marshall Islands.
In April, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) led a delegation comprising government officials and over 60 representatives from Taiwanese industries to the Marshall Islands. The trip was intended to explore investment opportunities in the country and promote Taiwan’s Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project.
In 2018, the two countries signed a coast guard cooperation agreement, which “involves exchange of personnel, information, training and working together on fisheries, law, or joint exercises and patrolling.”
Kattil told Taiwan News last year that the Marshall Islands works closely with Taiwan and other regional partners to monitor developments, protect its sovereignty, and promote regional transparency.
“This contributes to a more stable, open, and peaceful Indo-Pacific,” she said.
The Marshall Islands is one of three Pacific Island nations that have diplomatic ties with Taiwan, along with Tuvalu and Palau.
