Lai looks to collaborate with Tuvalu on addressing climate change

Taipei, April 8 (CNA) Taiwan looks forward to collaborating with Tuvalu on addressing climate change and other regional challenges, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Tuesday during a meeting with the Pacific island nation's new envoy Lily Tangisia Faavae.

During the meeting at the Presidential Office, Lai said both Taiwan and Tuvalu would "stand together in tackling the challenges we face, including climate change and authoritarian expansionism."

Joint efforts over the past four decades have "produced fruitful results" in such domains as public health and agricultural and fisheries technology, Lai said, adding that such collaboration would continue "so as to generate even more well-being for our peoples."

Tuvalu is one of 12 countries in the world that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China. The two countries mark the 46th anniversary of their ties in 2025.

Faavae, who assumed the role of Tuvaluan ambassador to Taiwan in February, shared similar views, noting that her country remained "committed to deepening ties with Taiwan."

"I believe Tuvalu and Taiwan share common interests and are united in our efforts and commitment to uphold democracy, peace and stability ... and to making the world better and safer," she said.

According to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Faavae has extensive experience in public service in Tuvalu, having previously served in the Tuvalu Parliament, the prime minister's office, and the health ministry.