President Lai meets delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Labour and Trade Paulson Panapa of Tuvalu

On the morning of September 15, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Labour and Trade Paulson Panapa of Tuvalu. In remarks, President Lai noted that Taiwan and Tuvalu will soon mark the 47th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, and that over the years the two countries have supported one another and walked side by side, like brothers. The president thanked Tuvalu for its longstanding support of Taiwan’s international participation and expressed hope that the two countries will continue to deepen cooperation across all domains and jointly respond to such global challenges as climate change and authoritarian expansion, so as to share in the fruits of development and together forge a prosperous future.
 
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:

To begin, I warmly welcome Minister Panapa back to Taiwan. This visit marks Minister Panapa’s first time leading an official delegation here since taking office, symbolizing our nations’ strong and friendly diplomatic partnership and demonstrating the government of Tuvalu’s high regard and staunch support for our diplomatic ties. I sincerely welcome our esteemed guests and look forward to the ties between our nations growing ever stronger.

This Saturday will mark the 47th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Tuvalu. For decades, our nations have supported one another in the international arena and walked side by side in undertaking all manner of cooperation. Taiwan and Tuvalu are more than good friends; we are like brothers. Over the years, we have worked together to promote projects involving digital transformation, power grid resilience, and climate adaptation. These initiatives have all achieved fruitful results, and we will continue to deepen cooperation. At present, Taiwan is implementing pioneer projects on outer islands like Vaitupu focusing on milkfish aquaculture, increased production of fruits and vegetables, and balanced nutrition and diet. Through our collaboration, we aspire to advance balanced development across Tuvalu’s outer islands and create a better living environment for the next generation.

We also look forward to Taiwan and Tuvalu jointly engaging in more international affairs so as to make greater contributions to the world. I would like to take this opportunity to especially thank the government of Tuvalu for consistently speaking up for Taiwan at international venues and supporting our international participation. During this year’s World Health Assembly and the Pacific Islands Forum, Tuvalu once again took concrete action to back Taiwan. Taiwan will always hold these gestures of sincere friendship close to its heart.  

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. We also hope that, under the framework of the Kaitasi Treaty, our countries will continue to promote cooperation and exchanges in all domains and jointly respond to such global challenges as climate change and authoritarian expansion.

In closing, I congratulate our good friend Minister Panapa on his appointment as foreign minister and once again welcome him and his delegation to Taiwan. I have every confidence that, through our joint efforts, Taiwan and Tuvalu will share in the fruits of development and together forge a prosperous future. 

Minister Panapa then delivered remarks, first expressing his sincere appreciation to the government and people of Taiwan for providing extensive support to Tuvalu over the past 46 years. He also thanked the government of Taiwan for inviting his delegation, and President Lai for taking the time to meet with them. Minister Panapa said that his relationship with Taiwan began 25 years ago, when he first visited as a young official to attend a national development course at Fu Hsing Kang College. During that visit, he said, he encountered not only a society characterized by innovation and discipline, but also a people whose warmth and hospitality reminded him of home, an experience that shaped his understanding of the principles underlying a strong and lasting partnership. He has returned to Taiwan on numerous occasions since, he noted, but this visit, his first official visit as minister of foreign affairs, labour and trade, holds particular significance, as it provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress our two countries have made together and to reaffirm the enduring strength of our friendship.

Minister Panapa said that Tuvalu and Taiwan are united by the common values of democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law. These principles guide both nations and give meaning to our cooperation, he said, and they are further strengthened by the spirit of Kaitasi, the understanding that we are a family standing together in solidarity. In a world where democratic voices are increasingly tested, he said, the partnership between Tuvalu and Taiwan stands as a reminder that small nations can lead with principle and courage.

Minister Panapa noted that the partnership between the two countries is very visible in the lives of Tuvaluan families. He added that Taiwan’s support has helped Tuvalu build resilience against climate change, improve health and education, and expand digital connectivity. He emphasized that the agreements signed this year, covering the milkfish project and clean energy initiatives, are more than just programs; they are practical expressions of friendship and trust. Looking ahead, he said, Tuvalu is committed to deepening this cooperation. Together the two countries can strengthen renewable energy, build climate-resilient infrastructure, expand opportunities for education and labor mobility, and advance sustainable development, efforts that will ensure the partnership continues to deliver tangible benefits for our peoples. He expressed hope that together we can build a future in which our vaka, our shared canoe, is powered by clean energy, strengthened by resilient infrastructure, and guided by opportunities for our young people.

Minister Panapa emphasized that Taiwan’s leadership in health, digital innovation, and disaster response enriches the global community, and that it is only right that such expertise has a seat at the table. He said that Tuvalu will continue to speak with a clear voice in support of Taiwan’s rightful place in the international community. Pointing out that Tuvalu and Taiwan share a friendship built on trust, respect, and family, he expressed hope that as the two countries walk forward together, our partnership will continue to be a beacon of peace and resilience, not only for our peoples, but for the wider Blue Pacific and the world.

 

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