The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) announced that Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu attended the inauguration ceremony of the President and Vice President of the Republic of Palau on January 16th as a special envoy representing the government and people of Taiwan to congratulate the new government of the Republic of Palau and deepen the partnership between Taiwan and Palau.
The inauguration ceremony of the newly elected President Surangel Whipps Jr. and Vice President Raynold Oilouch took place on the 16th in Palau. President Surangel Whipps Jr. reviewed the development process of Palau and expressed gratitude to like-minded countries such as Taiwan, the United States, Japan, and Australia for their assistance. He emphasized the special partnership in overcoming the pandemic together and praised the vitality and creativity of Taiwanese businesses. He looks forward to Taiwan and Palau sharing the fruits of economic prosperity through industrial exchanges and investments.
During the ceremony, Minister Joseph Wu congratulated President Surangel Whipps Jr. and Vice President Raynold Oilouch, and later met with President Surangel Whipps Jr. to deliver a special envoy letter, engaging in in-depth discussions on various exchange topics. President Surangel Whipps Jr. thanked Taiwan for its friendship over the past 26 years, highlighting the shared South Islander culture and emphasizing the continuous support of the new Palau government for the bilateral relationship.
On the afternoon of the 16th, Minister Joseph Wu visited the Chairman of Palau’s Olympic Committee, Frank Kyota, and witnessed the signing of the “Sports and Baseball Exchange Memorandum of Intent” between Palau’s Olympic Committee and Taiwan’s Sports Administration. This signifies Taiwan’s commitment to assist in training Palauan baseball players and sports talents, further deepening bilateral sports cooperation as promised during President Tsai Ing-wen’s visit.
Additionally, Minister Joseph Wu and President Surangel Whipps Jr. jointly attended the inauguration ceremony of the smart healthcare system at the national hospital in Palau. President Surangel Whipps Jr. expressed gratitude to Taiwan for assisting Palau in developing smart healthcare using technological advantages to inject new vitality into the national medical system. Minister Joseph Wu thanked New Kinpo Group Hospital and Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare for their support, stating that this collaboration realizes President Tsai’s goal of “smart sustainability,” showcasing Taiwan’s deep friendship and care for Palau.
Furthermore, in the evening, Minister Joseph Wu joined other dignitaries at the inauguration dinner of President Surangel Whipps Jr., extending the most sincere congratulations to the Palauan government and people.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) stated, “Taiwan and the Pacific ally Palau share universal values such as democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1999, the friendship between the two countries has remained solid and amicable. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to promote cooperative exchanges and a close partnership between the two countries, jointly advancing the friendly relations between Taiwan and Palau, as well as the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.”