Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo has reaffirmed the country’s unwavering ties with Taiwan, saying both nations are committed to elevating their partnership while calling for Taiwan’s inclusion in the United Nations and other international bodies.
“Tuvalu’s relationship with the Republic of China (Taiwan) remains strong and both countries are committed to elevate and further strengthen that relationship,” Teo said in his address to the nation at the 47th independence anniversary on Wednesday.
He said the visit by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te to Tuvalu in December last year was proof of the depth of the bond.
“The state visit by the President of Taiwan; Lai Ting-te to Tuvalu in December last year bear testament to the strength and durability of the Tuvalu–Taiwan relationship,” Teo said.
The Prime Minister revealed that work is underway on a new treaty framework to underpin future cooperation.
“Preparations are in progress to negotiate a treaty framework between Tuvalu and Taiwan upon which all other sectoral cooperation arrangements and other relationships will be grounded on,” he said.
Tuvalu, he added, will continue to lobby for Taiwan’s international recognition.
“Tuvalu will continue to strongly advocate for the inclusion of Taiwan in the United Nations and its specialised agencies and other international and regional organisations,” he said.
Teo also highlighted ongoing people-to-people connections and exchanges between Tuvalu and Taiwan, highlighting official visits and the recent goodwill tour of Taiwan Navy vessels to Tuvalu.
The Prime Minister also spoke on Tuvalu’s deepening ties with Australia through the Falepili Union Treaty.
He said the treaty had already opened new opportunities for Tuvaluans, including migration pathways.
“The substantial upgrade and elevation in Tuvalu’s relationship with Australia underpinned by the Falepili Union Treaty witnessed the launched of the Falepili mobility pathway on 16 June this year which saw 280 successful applicants proceeding to processing their Australian permanent resident visas,” Teo said.
He added that the new Tuvalu High Commission in Canberra, opened on 28 July 2025, signalled a significant step forward
“As part of this elevated relationship, I was honoured to officiate at the opening of the new Tuvalu High Commission in Canberra on 28th July 2025, which marked a significant milestone in Tuvalu’s diplomatic engagement with Australia. This is the sixth overseas diplomatic mission for Tuvalu.”
Tuvalu also became the first country to sign the Australia-Pacific Partnership for Energy Transition (APPET), a $50 million (US$33 million) initiative supporting Pacific Islands’ shift to renewable energy and climate resilience.
