Taoyuan: Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim returned to Taiwan on Wednesday night after a five-day visit to Palau, saying that the highlights of the trip were the visible success of the ties and cooperation between the two countries, as well as Palau's tourism appeal.According to Focus Taiwan, upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, Hsiao stated that the diplomatic mission assigned by President Lai Ching-te was successful. The visit, her first to a diplomatic ally since taking office in May 2024, left a deep impression on her. She commended Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. and his government for the arrangements made for her.The Taiwan delegation was warmly received by Whipps, Vice President Raynold Oilouch, other government officials, and traditional leaders, reinforcing the close bond between the two countries. The friendship between Taiwan and Palau is rooted in a shared Austronesian heritage that connects the two peoples across the ocean, Hsiao noted, paying tribute to Palau's natural beauty and encouraging Taiwanese to visit the Pacific ally.Hsiao emphasized that Palau is Taiwan's closest diplomatic ally geographically and mentioned the convenience of direct flights of less than four hours, with four scheduled services per week from Taiwan. She pointed out that the main highlights of her visit were the visible results of the Taiwan-Palau cooperation and Taiwan's contributions to the international community.During Hsiao's visit, Taiwan announced that personnel from its Investigation Bureau would be stationed in Palau to help fight cross-border crimes, and that drones would be donated to the Palauan government. Her delegation also visited Taiwan-funded infrastructure projects, Palau's national hospital, an aquaculture center, and a demonstration farm run by a Taiwanese technical mission.Hsiao remarked that the projects highlighted the results of the bilateral cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, and healthcare, which provide a strong foundation for further collaboration bet ween the two countries. Acknowledging the challenges Taiwan faces in the international arena, Hsiao thanked Palau for its continued support and reiterated President Lai's stance that Taiwanese people have the right to engage with the world.She concluded by affirming that the Taiwanese people will continue to contribute to the world despite the challenges they face.