Vice President Hsiao to visit Palau to boost diplomatic ties

Taipei, June 1 (CNA) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) will embark on a five-day visit to Palau later this week to strengthen diplomatic relations with the Pacific ally, the Presidential Office said Monday.

During the June 6-10 visit, Hsiao will meet with Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. and other government officials, Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said at a press conference.

Hsiao will also visit sustainable tourism sites and join President Whipps in promoting the Pacific island country's tourism, a key component of its national development strategy, Kuo said.

As part of the objective to strengthen the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Palau, Hsiao will review the impact of bilateral projects in the fields of healthcare, agriculture, and public infrastructure in Palau, Kuo said.

Hsiao is representing President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on the trip, following an invitation from President Whipps for the two Taiwanese leaders to visit, according to Kuo.

The vice president's delegation will include Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi (林靜怡) and Deputy Foreign Minister Baushuan Ger (葛葆萱), Kuo said.

Asked about travel arrangements, Kuo said Taiwan's foreign affairs and national security agencies had fully assessed the relevant intelligence and security considerations for the trip.

The question was raised after Lai's recent visit to Eswatini was delayed when three African countries along his planned route revoked overflight permissions, allegedly amid pressure from China.

At Monday's press conference, Ger said direct flights will be arranged with consideration for safety, comfort, convenience and dignity.

The trip will mark Hsiao's first visit to a diplomatic ally since taking office as vice president, Ger said, adding that every aspect of the itinerary is being carefully coordinated.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work closely with the Palauan government to ensure that the visit proceeds smoothly and achieves its diplomatic objectives, he added.