VP Hsiao sets off for 5-day visit to Palau

Taipei, June 6 (CNA) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) departed for a visit to Palau, one of Taiwan's three Pacific allies, on Saturday, with the goals of deepening bilateral ties, promoting local tourism, and seeing the results of development projects guided by Taiwan.

Speaking at Taoyuan International Airport before her departure, Hsiao said the first task that President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) entrusted her with for the five-day visit was to deepen bilateral ties.

Hsiao said she is scheduled to meet with Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. and other officials.

"President Whipps Jr. has underscored the friendship between our two countries through concrete actions with his many visits to Taiwan since taking office," Hsiao said. "By also visiting (Palau), we hope to deepen our bonds."

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Hsiao said she hopes to help Taiwanese people learn about Palau's beauty so that they will follow in her footsteps and visit the country.

The third task, she said, is to review the results of Taiwan's Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in Palau in the fields of healthcare, fisheries, agriculture and public infrastructure, Hsiao said.

Hsiao is representing President Lai on the trip, her first visit to a diplomatic ally since assuming office in May 2024, following an invitation from President Whipps Jr.

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).

(By Sean Lin)

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*A correction was made on June 8, 2026: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim's visit to Palau was her first overseas visit since assuming office in May 2024. While it was her first visit to a diplomatic ally since assuming office, it was not her first overseas trip.