Lai thanks Palau for support amid Taiwan's WHA exclusion

Taipei, May 20 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday thanked Palau for its continued support of Taiwan's international participation, as Taipei was once again excluded from the World Health Assembly (WHA) currently taking place in Switzerland.

"Palau has never stopped voicing support for Taiwan" in the United Nations General Assembly, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other U.N.-affiliated agencies, Lai said during a bilateral meeting with visiting Palau President Surangel Whipps, Jr.

"We have been profoundly touched by these endorsements," Lai said, praising the Pacific island nation's firm support as "courageous."

Lai's remarks came as Taiwan was excluded for the ninth consecutive year from the WHA -- the WHO's decision-making body -- which is being held in Geneva, Switzerland, from Monday through May 27.

Since 1972, Taiwan has been shut out from the WHA due to pressure from Beijing, except from 2009-2015 when it was accepted as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei" when relations with China were warmer under the then-Kuomintang government.

Taipei also attended in 2016, just days after former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) of the Democratic Progressive Party took office, but has not participated since.

As both countries marked the 26th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations, Lai said Taiwan looks forward to further enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Palau is one of only 12 countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan, and one of three in the Pacific, as Beijing has actively expanded its influence in the region and three of Taiwan's former Pacific allies have chosen to recognize China since 2016.

In his remarks, Whipps, who has on more than one occasion accused China of attempting to pressure his government into switching allegiance from Taipei to Beijing in recent years, reaffirmed his support for Taiwan.

"Palau and Taiwan are bound not by proximity, but by purpose. We are both island nations and believe in human dignity, the rule of law, and the right of our people to determine their own futures," said Whipps, who was first elected into office in 2021 and reelected last December.

Cooperation between the two sides on healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and climate resilience, among other areas, has "improved the lives and strengthened our communities," the Palauan leader said, adding that the two sides should "continue to stand together [and] work together."

The meeting at the Presidential Office was followed by the signing of bilateral agreements on technical cooperation and diplomatic staff training.

Earlier the same day, a ceremony was held outside the Presidential Office to welcome the 12-member delegation led by Whipps, which arrived in Taiwan on Monday for a 6-day visit, with a display of military honors.