TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Marshall Islands Foreign and Trade Minister Kalani Kaneko has arrived in Taiwan at the head of a seven-member delegation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday.
The Marshall Islands are one of Taiwan’s 12 official diplomatic allies and have maintained relations since 1998. Kaneko’s delegation will be in Taiwan until Friday.
The group was welcomed at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport on Monday by Vice Foreign Minister Ger Baushuan (葛葆萱), the ministry said in a statement. Kaneko praised the partnership with Taiwan, saying it was based on democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.
The Marshall Islands will continue to support Taiwan’s efforts to contribute to the global community and participate in the United Nations, Kaneko said. The international community can not afford to miss out on Taiwan’s professionalism and experience, he added.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) is scheduled to meet Kaneko at the Presidential Office, while Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) will host a banquet for his delegation. The delegation is also interested in visiting the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Discussions are likely to feature cooperation to improve economic resilience, clean energy, health, women’s empowerment, education, and basic infrastructure.
