Hsiao says Palau trip highlighted benefits of bilateral ties, cooperation

Taipei, June 11 (CNA) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) returned to Taiwan on Wednesday night after a five-day visit to Palau, saying that the highlights of the trip were the visible success of the ties and cooperation between the two countries, as well as Palau's tourism appeal.

Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, Hsiao said the diplomatic mission assigned by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) was successful.

The visit, her first to a diplomatic ally since taking office in May 2024, left a deep impression on her, Hsiao said, commending Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. and his government for the arrangements made for her.

The Taiwan delegation was warmly received by Whipps, Vice President Raynold Oilouch, other government officials, and traditional leaders, reinforcing the close bond between the two countries, she said.

The friendship between Taiwan and Palau is rooted in a shared Austronesian heritage that connects the two peoples across the ocean, Hsiao said, paying tribute to Palau's natural beauty and encouraging Taiwanese to visit the Pacific ally.

Palau is Taiwan's closest diplomatic ally geographically and can be reached by direct flights of less than four hours, with four scheduled services per week from Taiwan, she noted.

Hsiao said the main highlights of her visit were the visible results of the Taiwan-Palau cooperation and Taiwan's contributions to the international community.

During Hsiao's visit, Taiwan announced that personnel from its Investigation Bureau would be stationed in Palau to help fight cross-border crimes, and that drones would be donated to the Palauan government.

Her delegation also visited Taiwan-funded infrastructure projects, Palau's national hospital, an aquaculture center, and a demonstration farm run by a Taiwanese technical mission.

Hsiao said the projects highlighted the results of the bilateral cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries and healthcare, which provide a strong foundation for further collaboration between the two countries.

Acknowledging the challenges Taiwan faces in the international arena, Hsiao thanked Palau for its continued support, and she reiterated President Lai's stance that Taiwanese people have the right to engage with the world.

The Taiwanese people will continue to contribute to the world despite the challenges they face, she said.