TAIPEI: President Lai Ching-te on Thursday congratulated Palau President Surangel Whipps, Jr. on his election to a second term, saying that Taiwan will work with the diplomatic ally to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. According to Focus Taiwan, based on the preliminary results of Palau's presidential election, Lai extended congratulations to President-elect Whipps and Vice President-elect Raynold "Arnold" Oilouch, on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, as stated by Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo. Lai expressed hope for further deepening of the relations between Taiwan and Palau, building on the existing foundation. The spokesperson highlighted that Taiwan and Palau, which have maintained diplomatic ties for 25 years, have been collaborating closely in areas such as fundamental infrastructure, agricultural technology, information and communications, clean energy, and climate change, while also confronting various global threats. Taiwan's government is committe d to continuing its partnership with Palau to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. In a separate statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that Taiwan will continue to enhance its cooperation with Palau. The preliminary results of Palau's election showed Whipps leading against former President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., while Oilouch was ahead of J. Uduch Sengebau-Senior in the vice presidential race, according to the Pacific Island Times. Whipps has been a supporter of Taiwan since he assumed office in 2021, and Palau remains one of the 12 countries worldwide that maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan.