Foreign minister attends inauguration of Palau president

Taipei, Jan. 21 (CNA) Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) attended the inauguration of Palau's new President Surangel Whipps Jr. and Vice President J. Uduch Sengebau Senior on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said in a statement.

Wu, who was attending the event as a special envoy of President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), was the only envoy sent by a foreign head of state in attendance, according to MOFA.

The minister conveyed President Tsai's heartiest congratulations and wished Palau's leaders every success, MOFA said on Twitter.

"The government & people of #Taiwan share in the joy of this auspicious event," it tweeted.

After the ceremony, Whipps and Senior met with Wu to exchange views on important bilateral issues, the ministry said.

Reaffirming relations between the two countries, Whipps said Taiwan is a strong partner and ally of Palau, according to MOFA.

He expressed hope that the two sides will strengthen their cooperation and exchanges in the medical and tourism sectors in the future and said he looks forward to the creation of a Palau-Taiwan travel bubble, MOFA said.

Wu later also joined Whipps in opening the multipurpose Ngaraard State Community Center, which was built with assistance from Taiwan.

Palau, which has had official ties with Taiwan since 1999, is one of the country's 15 remaining diplomatic allies.

Wu arrived in the Pacific nation on Wednesday and is scheduled to return home Friday afternoon.