Malakal:Two patrol vessels from the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) have arrived at Malakal Harbor in Palau as part of an expedition exercise and diplomatic visit. A senior official from the CGA is expected to meet with the Palauan president during this visit.

According to Focus Taiwan, the vessels, the 4,000-tonne-class Chiayi and the 1,000-tonne-class Penghu, embarked from Taiwan last week and reached Palau on Tuesday. This marks the second deployment of a "Friendship Fleet" by the CGA to another country, following the inaugural goodwill fleet visit in 2025.

Leading the delegation is CGA Deputy Director-General Hsu Ching-chih, who is scheduled to meet with Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. The visit will include friendly competitions in pickleball and swimming with local officials.

A banquet will be held aboard the Chiayi, where the national flags of Taiwan and Palau will be displayed. Subsequently, a joint patrol with Palauan law enforcement units will be conducted under a bilateral coast guard cooperation agreement established in 2019.

The CGA's Fleet Branch highlighted the participation of its personnel in various drills during the journey, focusing on validating professional skills and operational standards. The visit is seen as significant for enhancing Taiwan's international maritime cooperation and "coast guard diplomacy," with the CGA committed to building international partnerships.