Taiwan, Tuvalu to sign labor deal during Deputy PM's visit: MOFA

Taipei, April 14 (CNA) Tuvalu Deputy Prime Minister Panapasi Nelesone arrived in Taipei on Monday for a five-day visit, during which he will witness the signing of two agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation between his country and Taiwan in the labor and seafaring sectors, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Nelesone and his delegation were welcomed by Vice Foreign Minister Remus Chen (陳立國) upon their arrival Monday morning at Taoyuan International Airport, MOFA said in a press release.

During the delegation's five-day visit, Nelesone will meet with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), MOFA said.

Additionally, Taiwan and Tuvalu will sign a bilateral labor affairs cooperation agreement and an accord that will enable the Tuvalu government to recognize Taiwan-issued seafarer certifications, according to MOFA.

The signing of the agreements between the two diplomatic allies will be witnessed by Nelesone and Lin, the ministry stated.

The deputy prime minister and his delegation are also scheduled to visit the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and the government-funded foreign aid agency TaiwanICDF to discuss issues of mutual interest, MOFA said.

Led by Nelesone, the Tuvalu delegation includes Foreign Labour and Trade Minister Paulson Panapa and Minister for Public Utilities & Environment Ampelosa Manoa Tehulu, according to MOFA.