President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation from the Republic of Marshall Islands on Thursday. The group is led by the country’s Foreign Minister Kitlang Kabua.
During a speech at the meeting, Tsai said that the two countries cooperate in multiple fields with fruitful results. She said that during Marshallese President David Kabua’s visit to Taiwan last year, the two parties announced the establishment of a contingency fund for adapting to climate change. This time the visiting delegation will witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding on sustainable development.
Tsai also highlighted cooperation projects between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands in areas of agriculture and education. She thanked the country for its continued support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
Minister Kabua said in her speech that Taiwan is an important ally of the Marshall Islands and that the relationship between the two parties is based on shared values, democratic principles, and respect for human rights. She said that as Taiwan-Marshallese diplomatic ties enter their 25th year, her visit demonstrates the stability of that relationship. She added that the visit serves to ensure that Marshall Islands will continue to be a steadfast ally of Taiwan.
Kabua added that she admires President Tsai’s efforts to protect democratic values and resist foreign interference, which poses a threat to regional peace and stability. The Marshall Islands are an independent state but have a free association agreement with the United States which ensures the national security of the small island nation.