Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang (田中光) will serve as President Tsai Ing-wen's (蔡英文) special envoy to congratulate Tuvalu’s new prime minister, Feleti Teo, on behalf of Taiwan. That’s according to the Foreign Ministry in a routine press briefing on Tuesday.
Tien departed on Monday for Tuvalu to convey President Tsai Ing-wen's congratulations to Prime Minister Teo and his cabinet members. The ministry says that in addition to attending the inauguration of the new government, Tien is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Teo, Governor-General Tofiga Falani and Foreign Minister Paulson Panapa among other officials to discuss bilateral cooperation projects. Tien is scheduled to return to Taiwan on March 9.
The ministry adds that this year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Tuvalu. Taiwan looks forward to continuing to work with Tuvalu to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Tuvalu completed its general elections on January 26. Tuvalu’s new prime minister, Feleti Teo, took oath on February 28. Teo met with Taiwan's Ambassador to Tuvalu where he reaffirmed the diplomatic alliance between Taiwan and Tuvalu. Tuvalu is one of the 12 remaining diplomatic allies of Taiwan.