Majuro: President Lai Ching-te expressed optimism for ongoing collaboration with the Marshall Islands upon his arrival in Majuro, the capital of the Pacific nation. Lai emphasized the importance of continued partnership between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands to enhance the well-being of their citizens. He was warmly received by Marshallese President Hilda Heine and her government officials at the airport. According to Focus Taiwan, Lai's visit to the Marshall Islands is part of his first overseas trip as president to Taiwan's Pacific allies, including Tuvalu and Palau. His itinerary in Majuro includes meetings with President Heine and Brenson Wase, the speaker of the Marshallese Legislature, where he is scheduled to deliver a speech. Lai will also visit infrastructure projects funded by Taiwan, such as a government building and a remote medical center. President Heine highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relations between the two countries since 1998, expressing confidence in the deepening of ties. Lai' s visit will conclude with a dinner hosted by Heine before he departs for Tuvalu early Wednesday morning. He is accompanied by eight Presidential Office and Cabinet officials, including Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and Ocean Affairs Council head Kuan Bi-ling. Lai's journey commenced in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he met with Ingrid Larson, managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan, Hawaii Governor Josh Green, and held a phone conversation with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. After Tuvalu, Lai will proceed to Guam for an overnight stay and then travel to Palau on Thursday afternoon, returning to Taiwan on Friday.