Taiwan President Lai Ching-te says Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) to strengthen economic resilience and expand bilateral ties amid global political and economic challenges.
Meeting Marshall Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani Kaneko and his delegation on Wednesday in Taipei, President Lai said Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share common values and have built strong cooperation across a range of sectors.
“Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share a profound connection through Austronesian culture and common values, including democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. In the past few years, cooperation between our two nations has continued to yield fruitful results in such areas as agriculture, medicine and public health, education, women’s empowerment, and climate change response,” he said.
President Lai said the changing international environment required closer collaboration between the two countries.
“Amidst the rapidly changing international political and economic landscape, many nations are now faced with the restructuring of global supply chains and other challenges,” he said.
Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration with the Marshall Islands across various domains so as to jointly bolster economic resilience and enhance our peoples’ well-being,” he said.
President Lai thanked Minister Kaneko for supporting Taiwan’s international participation and for strengthening relations between the two countries.
“Minister Kaneko, I would like to thank you for continuing to advance exchanges and cooperation between our countries over many years.
Throughout your time as minister of health and human services, and in your current role as minister of foreign affairs and trade, you have strongly advocated for Taiwan’s international participation and fully demonstrated your government’s regard and support for our diplomatic friendship,” he said.
President Lai also referred to Taiwan’s recent efforts to expand economic cooperation with the Marshall Islands.
“That is why, in April, I designated Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung as my special envoy to lead a trade and investment delegation to the Marshall Islands, the goal of which was to further facilitate economic, trade, and industrial exchanges between our nations and jointly expand our spheres of cooperation.”
He extended Taiwan’s sympathies following the fire on Ebeye Island and pledged continued support.
“Furthermore, on behalf of all in Taiwan, I would like to once again extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the devastating fire which broke out on Ebeye Island last month.
Beyond providing assistance for post-disaster reconstruction, we also stand ready to work with the Marshall Islands to strengthen disaster prevention and resilience, jointly protecting the public and safeguarding social stability,” President Lai said.
Looking ahead to the Pacific Islands Forum later this year, President Lai said Taiwan hopes to continue working with the Marshall Islands and other partners.
“We also look forward to our nations supporting each other and moving forward side by side in the international arena. This year’s Pacific Islands Forum will be held at the end of August.
With the backing of the Marshall Islands and other like-minded partners, I hope that Taiwan will be able to contribute even more to regional peace, prosperity, and development,” he stressed.
Lai expressed confidence that relations between the two countries would continue to grow.
“I am sure that, with your support, our alliance will continue to deepen and grow even stronger.”
In response, Minister Kaneko conveyed greetings from Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine and thanked President Lai and the Taiwan government for their hospitality.
He said the two countries were marking 28 years of diplomatic relations built on shared values.
“This year marks the 28th anniversary of diplomatic ties between our two nations,” he said, adding that the relationship is “one rooted in our shared Austronesian heritage and strengthened by mutual respect for each other’s democratic systems and our steadfast commitment to the core values of freedom, justice, and the rule of law,” Kaneko said.
Minister Kaneko said Taiwan’s assistance remained important to the Marshall Islands.
“Support from the Republic of China (Taiwan) continues to be invaluable to the people and national development of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, particularly in the areas of health, education, economic development, and climate resilience,” he said.
He also thanked Taiwan for educational opportunities for Marshallese students and medical care provided to Marshallese citizens.
Minister Kaneko reaffirmed his country’s support for Taiwan’s participation in international organisations.
“The Republic of the Marshall Islands is committed to advocating for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in United Nations systems and other regional and international organisations,” he emphasised
He added that the Marshall Islands “will continue to call on the UN to take immediate action to resolve the inappropriate exclusion of Taiwan’s 23.6 million people from UN mechanisms and activities.”
Minister Kaneko expressed his appreciation and said he looked forward to bilateral discussions and continued cooperation on shared priorities.
