Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has described Taiwan and Tuvalu as “more than good friends” as he welcomed Tuvalu’s Foreign Minister Paulson Panapa to Taiwan for his first official visit since taking office.
Lai said the visit reflected the strength of the two countries’ diplomatic ties, with Taiwan and Tuvalu preparing to mark 47 years of diplomatic relations this Saturday.
“Taiwan and Tuvalu are more than good friends; we are like brothers,” Lai said.
Lai thanked Tuvalu for its continued support for Taiwan’s international participation, including at this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA) and the Pacific Islands Forum.
He said Taiwan valued Tuvalu’s consistent support at international forums and looked forward to working more closely with Tuvalu on global issues.
“The United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP31) will be held one after the other in the near future.
“We look forward to Tuvalu’s continued staunch support for Taiwan’s international participation,” Lai said.
Lai also called for greater cooperation under the Kaitasi Treaty, particularly in addressing climate change and what he described as authoritarian expansion.
He said Taiwan and Tuvalu had worked together on digital transformation, power grid resilience and climate adaptation, with new initiatives underway in Tuvalu’s outer islands.
These include milkfish aquaculture, increased fruit and vegetable production and improved nutrition on Vaitupu.
Lai said the projects were aimed at supporting balanced development across Tuvalu’s outer islands and improving living conditions for future generations.
Panapa thanked Taiwan for its support to Tuvalu over the past 46 years and said his first official visit as Foreign Minister was an opportunity to reaffirm the strength of the bilateral relationship.
He said his relationship with Taiwan began 25 years ago when he visited as a young Tuvaluan official to attend a national development course at Fu Hsing Kang College.
Panapa said the visit shaped his understanding of Taiwan and the foundations of a strong and lasting partnership.
He said Tuvalu and Taiwan shared common values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, reinforced by the spirit of Kaitasi — the understanding that the two countries are a family standing together in solidarity.
“In a world where democratic voices are increasingly tested, the partnership between Tuvalu and Taiwan stands as a reminder that small nations can lead with principle and courage,” Panapa said.
He said Taiwan’s support was making a practical difference to Tuvaluan families through assistance in climate resilience, health, education and digital connectivity.
Panapa also highlighted agreements signed this year covering the milkfish project and clean energy initiatives, saying they represented practical expressions of friendship and trust.
He said Tuvalu wanted to deepen cooperation with Taiwan in renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, education, labour mobility and sustainable development.
Panapa said Taiwan’s expertise in health, digital innovation and disaster response had a contribution to make globally and reaffirmed Tuvalu’s support for Taiwan’s international participation.
“Tuvalu will continue to speak with a clear voice in support of Taiwan’s rightful place in the international community,” Panapa said.
He said the two countries’ partnership, built on trust, respect and family, could contribute to peace and resilience in the Blue Pacific and beyond.
