Republic of China (Taiwan) Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has begun a three-day visit to Palau, meeting with Palauan President Surangel Whipps. Jr. shortly after his arrival in the Pacific island nation, the Presidential Office said Tuesday.
Lai, who is leading a delegation comprising government officials and business representatives, arrived at Palau’s Roman Tmetuchl International Airport at noon on Tuesday, where he was greeted by Vice President J. Uduch Sengebau Senior and Minister of State Gustav Aitaro.
The reception was followed by a meeting with Whipps at the government building in Ngerulmud, Palau’s capital, the Presidential Office said in a press statement.
According to the statement, Lai conveyed to Whipps his hope that Taiwan and Palau can work together on combating climate change and contribute to global endeavors to address related problems.
Both Taiwan and Palau are countries surrounded by sea, Lai said, adding that Taiwan could learn from Palau’s maritime conservation efforts.
Lai noted that dozens of representatives from Taiwan’s leading travel agencies and related associations had joined him on the current trip, and that he believes they will come up with ways to bring more Taiwanese tourists to Palau.
According to the Presidential Office, the focus of Lai’s visit to Palau from Nov. 1-3 is to promote tourism to the Pacific ally, as it has been hit hard over the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also in the delegation are representatives from Taiwan’s aquaculture businesses who are looking for investment opportunities in Palau, Lai said.
In addition, Lai expressed hope that the two countries can deepen bilateral exchanges in various fields, including medical care and sports.
Lai later visited the Palau National Congress, where he met with Palau’s Senate President Hokkons Baules and Speaker of the House of Delegates Sabino Anastacio, the Presidential Office said.
Lai also attended a groundbreaking ceremony for a new road in the Palauan capital funded by Taiwan’s government and visited Taiwan’s technical mission in the Pacific island nation, the Office said.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel