Taiwan Navy fleet of friendship welcomed in Marshall Islands

Taipei, April 30 (CNA) Marshall Islands Foreign Minister Kitlang Kabua and Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang (田中光) welcomed the Republic of China Navy Fleet of Friendship on Sunday as it made a port call in the Marshall Islands.

Tien, who is on the second day of an ongoing five-day visit to the Pacific ally, welcomed the arrival of the fleet, which consisted of three Taiwanese Naval vessels: AOE 532 Panshi fast combat support ship (磐石艦), Chen De (承德PFG-1208) Kang Ding-class frigate and Cheng Kung-class frigate Pan Chao (班超, PFG2-1108).

Tien, who arrived in the country on Saturday as a special envoy of President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), is visiting the Marshal Islands to celebrate the country's 44th National Day and 25th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

The fleet, which departed Taiwan in March, visited another Pacific ally, Palau, earlier in April before heading to the Marshall Islands to celebrate Marshall Islands Constitution Day on May 1.

The ROC Navy began its annual fleet of friendship overseas training in 1996 with the aim of promoting military exchanges, raising the country's profile in the international community and visiting allies and expatriates abroad.

On Saturday during the first day of his five-day-trip, Tien met with Marshal Islands President David Kabua and other senior officials to discuss issues of mutual interest.

During his trip, Tien will also host a commemorative reception to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the ROC and the Marshall Islands in 1998.

The ongoing visit came after Marshal Islands Foreign Minister Kitlang Kabua visited Taiwan earlier this month, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.