Taipei: Tuvaluan Prime Minister Feleti Teo, who is visiting Taiwan, on Tuesday reaffirmed the Pacific ally’s diplomatic ties with Taiwan during a military ceremony presided over by President Lai Ching-te held to welcome him for his first state visit since taking office.
According to Focus Taiwan, the ongoing trip, which started Monday, marks Prime Minister Teo’s first official state visit to Taiwan since assuming office last year. During the military honors ceremony in front of the Presidential Office building, a 21-gun salute was held and the countries’ national anthems were played. Teo expressed his sentiments about the ceremony, describing it as a significant tradition that symbolizes mutual recognition and respect between Tuvalu and Taiwan.
Prime Minister Teo emphasized the importance of the “special relationship” between Tuvalu and Taiwan, highlighting shared democratic values, mutual trust, and cooperation that have strengthened their bilateral ties for the past 46 years. President Lai echoed these sentiments, stating that Teo’s visit symbolizes the strong and enduring friendship between the two nations and his commitment to supporting diplomatic relations.
President Lai noted that both countries have been collaborating in various sectors, including public health, medicine, agriculture, fisheries, energy, ICT, and talent cultivation. He expressed optimism that the visit would enhance the partnership between Tuvalu and Taiwan, enabling them to tackle challenges posed by geopolitics and climate change, and to jointly improve the well-being and prosperity of their peoples.
During the visit, Prime Minister Teo signed three agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. These agreements include establishing a legal framework for enhanced cooperation, promoting fisheries collaboration, and fostering sports exchanges between the two nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) reported that Teo and his 11-member delegation arrived in Taiwan on Monday and will stay until Saturday. The delegation includes leaders from two Tuvaluan islands: Tuitonga Pelosa of Niutao and Siose Teo of Funafuti.