Taiwan, Tuvalu sign two deals on labor cooperation

Taipei, April 16 (CNA) Taiwan and its Pacific ally Tuvalu on Tuesday signed two accords aimed at facilitating bilateral cooperation on labor affairs, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

MOFA said in a news release that the governments inked two agreements in Taipei, witnessed by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and visiting Deputy Tuvaluan Prime Minister Panapasi Nelesone.

According to MOFA, the agreements will facilitate cooperation on labor issues and allow the two sides to mutually recognize seafarers' certificates and related training.

Lin was quoted in the release as saying at a subsequent banquet that Taiwan would continue to collaborate with Tuvalu across various fields to promote economic prosperity as well as the well-being of their peoples.

Lin also thanked the Pacific island nation for its long-standing support for Taiwan's efforts to take part in the international community.

Meanwhile, Nelesone thanked Taiwan for its assistance in Tuvalu's development of healthcare, agriculture, education, and infrastructure, according to the release.

The Tuvaluan official also remarked that over the past four decades, Taiwan and Tuvalu have overcome many challenges together and built bonds as close as family rooted in their shared values of freedom and democracy.

Nelesone, who concurrently serves as minister of finance and development, arrived in Taiwan on Monday for a five-day visit in Taiwan with a delegation, and met with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday.

Other members of the delegation include Paulson Panapa, minister of foreign affairs, labor and trade, and Ampelosa Manoa Tehulu, minister for public utilities and environment.