KOROR, Palau — Taiwan President Lai Ching-Te arrived in Palau on Thursday, marking the final stop of his Pacific tour, which included visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Hawaii, Guam, and Palau.
President Lai received a warm welcome at Palau International Airport, where all six members of President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s Cabinet, Republic of China (Taiwan) Ambassador Jessica C. Lee, and members of the Taiwanese community in Palau greeted him enthusiastically.
Following his arrival, President Lai proceeded to the Office of the President in Ngerulmud, Palau’s capital, to meet with members of the Olbiil Era Kelulau (Palau National Congress).
Today, President Lai is scheduled to preside over a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new national government office building, known as the “One-Stop-Shop.” The facility consolidates key government offices, including Revenue and Taxation, Social Security Administration, and Immigration, to streamline public services.
Additionally, President Lai will attend a Joint Coast Guard exercise on Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief at Malakal Harbor, showcasing the strong maritime collaboration between Taiwan and Palau.
This Pacific tour is Lai’s first official international visit since taking office as Taiwan’s president. His trip highlights Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening ties with its Pacific allies and advancing regional cooperation. This marks the second visit to Palau for President Lai Ching-Te. He visited Palau when he was Vice President in 2022.