TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Presidential Office announced on Monday that Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) will embark on a five-day trip to Palau next week.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has appointed Hsiao to lead a delegation to Palau from Saturday to Wednesday, Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Guo (郭雅慧) said, per the Presidential Office. This will be Hsiao’s first overseas visit to a diplomatic ally since taking office.
Kuo said that Taiwan was honored once again to receive an invitation from Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr.
Aside from meeting Whipps, Kuo said the vice president has three key objectives during the trip: deepening bilateral relations, assisting Palau in promoting sustainable tourism, and reviewing the results of cooperation projects.
Hsiao will visit Taiwan’s technical mission demonstration farm, the Palau National Aquaculture Center, and the Belau National Hospital, Deputy Foreign Minister Baushuan Ger (葛葆萱) said. The vice president will also meet with local communities and businesses, and visit Taiwan’s embassy, Ger said.
Taiwan has been assisting Palau as it prepares to host this year’s Pacific Islands Forum in late August. 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, Michael Lin (林昭宏), director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said in February.
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) visited Palau in December to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties.
Taiwan can be a reliable partner for the Pacific Island region, Palau Ambassador to Taiwan David Orrukem previously told Taiwan News. “Taiwan is a country you can work with. We are evidence of that,” the ambassador said. What led Palau to ally with Taiwan was how it treated its citizens, he said, underscoring the importance of reciprocity.
