Maroc - TAIWANTODAY.TW - Top News - 01/Sep 00:00

President Lai receives Tuvaluan parliament speaker

President Lai Ching-te said Sept. 2 that Taiwan is committed to working with Tuvalu across the board to jointly promote prosperity and stability in the Asia-Pacific.   Lai made the remarks while receiving a delegation led by Iakoba Taeia Italeli, speaker of the Parliament of Tuvalu, at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. He noted that, as emphasized during his opening speech at the recent Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Union conference, Taiwan is determined to strengthen cooperation with allies and other Asian countries to safeguard regional peace.   The president said that Taiwan will continue to collaborate with Tuvalu on countering global challenges such as authoritarian expansion and climate change. Lai added that, guided by the Tuvalu’s focus on cultivating young talent, medical and vocational training courses would be supported by scholarships as well as the recently launched 2025 Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative’s Diplomatic Allies Inbound Track. He concluded by expressing appreciation to Tuvalu for its long-standing support of Taiwan’s international participation at global events.   In response, Italeli called Taiwan Tuvalu’s most steadfast partner in combating climate change, citing assistance in agriculture, education, land reclamation and medical care. He also thanked Taiwan for helping with the Central Pacific Cable Project, the establishment of 4G internet services on outer islands and the Tuvalu Parliament House, and said he hoped to see continued backing of Tuvalu’s transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2030.   The speaker said the two allies are closely bonded by shared values of democracy, dignity and resilience, and reaffirmed Tuvalu’s unwavering public support for Taiwan. (YCH-E)   Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw