The Republic of Palau and the Republic of China-Taiwan celebrated 20 years of “friendship and brotherh0od”, a diplomatic relationship as described by Palau’s President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. at the reception held on Friday, December 30th at Ngara-amayong Cultural Center in Koror.
Emphasis of this 20th year anniversary of diplomatic relations is placed on close common ties as expressed by leadership of both countries
Hosting the occasion, Taiwan’s Vice President Dr. Chen Chieng-jen, the second highest government official of Taiwan to visit Palau this year, said Palau has stood “shoulder to shoulder” with Taiwan and has been Taiwan’s staunchest ally in the Pacific. Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-Wen visited Palau during her north pacific tour in March of this year.
Taiwan’s Vice President Dr. Chen Chieng-jen said that the relationship is “based on many commonalities” such as “values of freedom and democracy”. He added that Taiwan had “deepened cooperation at all levels…agriculture, infrastructure, education” with Palau.
President Remengesau in his remarks said that Vice President Chen Chieng-jen’s “presence signifies the value of the friendship.” “Considering that the Republic of Palau has only just celebrated its 25th Independence Day, a 20-years of friendship is a very significant milestone,” added Remengesau.
Remengesau emphasized “Taiwan has never been a donor but a partner and friend” and that “Palau and Taiwan enjoy a free partnership, between free people” , an example of “two countries being independent together.” He added that the partnership is “built upon mutual respect for sovereignty and our mutual commitment to peace, security and freedom.”
Recognizing Taiwan’s partnership in areas of infrastructures, education, food security, climate change among others, Remengesau expressed that Palau “have pushed to end Taiwan’s wrongful exclusion from so many multilateral organizations …and lend support for its sovereignty.”
Concluding his remarks, Remengesau thanked Taiwan for its past 20 years of friendship as well as the next coming 20 years.
The event was attended by many of Palau’s national, state and agency leaders although notably absent were the Senate President Hokkons Baules and House Speaker Sabino Anastacio. Representing the congress was Senate Vice President Mark Rudimch and House Vice Speaker Lucio Ngiraiwet. Both Senate President Hokkons and House Speaker Anastacio are strong advocates of changing Palau’s diplomatic relations to mainland China.