Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has led a delegation to attend the Katagalan Forum organized by the Prospect Foundation on Wednesday. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) welcomed Haley and her delegation to the Presidential Office on Thursday.
During the meeting, Lai expressed his appreciation for Haley's strong advocacy for Taiwan’s role in the international community, particularly her support for Taiwan's membership in the WHO. He also acknowledged her efforts to encourage the United States and other nations to bolster their support for Taiwan and to push for a free trade agreement between the U.S. and Taiwan.
Lai underscored Taiwan’s pivotal location in the Indo-Pacific's first island chain as well as a shifting geopolitical landscape marked by rising authoritarianism and its threats to global democracy. He affirmed Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities, fortifying economic resilience, and standing united with democratic allies to deter conflict and preserve peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Haley discussed recent incursions by Russia and Hamas, stressing the importance of Taiwan being constantly prepared by strengthening alliances, planning proactively, and transparently communicating relevant issues to the public. She stated that their visit is meant to demonstrate U.S. solidarity with Taiwan and to explain to the American public why Taiwan matters. Haley urges the Taiwanese people to help Americans understand the significance of Taiwan’s role and the importance of supporting it.