Taiwan has handed over its financial support of USD$6 million to Tuvalu’s deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Panapasi Nelesone.

The funds according to Taiwan’s Ambassador to Tuvalu Andrew Lin, are intended to assist Tuvalu for the first six months of the year.

This does not include additional support provided by Taiwan for education, health, ICT, and other sectors.

Nelesone expressed Tuvalu’s gratitude for Taiwan’s ongoing support since the establishment of this relationship in 1979, stating that this support will help the new Government meet the needs of the nation.

Ambassador Lin presented the cheque and also thanked the Government of Tuvalu for its concern and solidarity with Taiwan following a recent earthquake, highlighting the importance of the strong relationship between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Taiwan will join the United States, Japan and Australia in funding an undersea cable network for Tuvalu.

The White House announced project as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visits the U.S.

It marks both Taiwan’s first participation in such a project and Tuvalu’s first submarine cable.

Tuvalu is one of just three island nations in the Pacific to formally recognise Taiwan.