On September 29, 2024, Taiwan’s Special Envoy Ljaucu Zingrur, Minister of the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP), met with President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Palau to deliver a congratulatory letter from Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te. The meeting took place as Palau celebrated its 30th anniversary of independence. The event also marked 25 years of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Palau.
Several Palauan officials, including State Minister Gustav Aitaro, Agriculture Minister Steven Victor, and Tourism Minister Ngirabelas Tmetuchl, were in attendance. Special Envoy Ljaucu was joined by Taiwan’s Ambassador to Palau Jessica C. Lee and other members of the delegation, including CIP Director Yapasuyongu Poiconu and Deputy Director-General Stephen Hsu of the Asia-Pacific Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
President Whipps expressed gratitude to Special Envoy Ljaucu and the delegation for participating in Palau’s independence celebrations, emphasizing the strong partnership between the two nations. He highlighted the progress made in economic cooperation, healthcare, education, and environmental protection as evidence of the lasting friendship between Taiwan and Palau.
Special Envoy Ljaucu conveyed his honor in leading the delegation, thanking Palau for its continued support of Taiwan’s international presence, particularly President Whipps’ advocacy for Taiwan at the United Nations General Assembly earlier this month. Ljaucu also noted the cultural ties between Taiwan’s indigenous peoples and Palau, remarking on shared Austronesian heritage and common linguistic expressions, such as the word “Alii,” meaning “hello” in Palauan and “good friend” in Taiwan’s aboriginal language. He expressed hope for further cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Ambassador Lee underscored the significance of Taiwan’s presence at the event, noting that the 80-member delegation was the largest among international delegations. The group included township mayors, participants in female talent exchange programs, and performers from the NaLuwan Dance Troupe, among others. Taiwanese professionals also held workshops on artifact preservation.
Later that evening, Special Envoy Ljaucu hosted a dinner banquet attended by President Whipps, Palauan ministers, and distinguished guests such as Speaker Sabino Anastacio, Vice President Kerai Mariur, and traditional leaders. The evening concluded with a toast to Palau’s 30th anniversary of independence and the enduring 25-year diplomatic relationship between Taiwan and Palau.