Taipei, Nov. 25 (CNA) Marshall Islands President Christopher Loeak began a five-day visit to Taiwan Tuesday, during which he is scheduled to receive a medal from the government and an honorary doctoral degree from Taipei Medical University, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that day.

During the visit that will last until Nov. 29, Loeak will receive the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon from President Ma Ying-jeou, the ministry said in a statement.

He in turn will confer medals on Ma and on Foreign Minister David Lin in recognition of their contributions to bilateral ties, the ministry added.

Loeak is also scheduled to receive the honorary doctorate in science from the university Wednesday, in recognition of his efforts to promote bilateral medical exchanges and his unrelenting support for Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly, the ministry said.

The Marshall Islands in the northern Pacific is one of Taiwan's 22 diplomatic allies. The two countries established official ties in 1998.

They have conducted close cooperation in areas including public health, clean energy, agriculture and culture, the ministry said, adding that bilateral ties are solid and strong.

This is Loeak's fourth visit to Taiwan since he took office in January 2012, according to the ministry.

(By Elaine Hou)
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