Foreign minister heads to Palau for Pacific Islands Forum side events

Taoyuan, Aug. 27 (CNA) A delegation led by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) departed for Palau on Thursday to attend side events held alongside the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

Speaking to reporters before departing from Taoyuan International Airport, Lin said the Aug. 27-Sept. 3 visit aimed to boost trade, investment and tourism cooperation between Palau and Taiwan while creating opportunities for exchanges with other Pacific nations.

Lin said the Taiwanese delegation to Palau, Taiwan's closest diplomatic ally geographically, includes government officials and business representatives.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Lin will take part in the 30th Taiwan/Republic of China-PIF Countries Dialogue, organized by the PIF Secretariat.

He will also attend the Pacific Prosperity Exhibition, where the United States, Japan and Australia will showcase Pacific cooperation and development projects, MOFA said.

The ministry added that Lin will hold sideline meetings with representatives from Taiwan's Pacific allies and other partner countries to discuss promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

He is also scheduled to meet with Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. and Vice President Raynold B. Oilouch, and visit Palau National Hospital and projects under the Taiwan-Palau Prosperity Project, MOFA said.

Though not a member of the PIF, Taiwan has been a "development partner" in PIF mechanisms since 1993. It usually holds the Taiwan/Republic of China-Forum Countries Dialogue and other side events alongside the PIF's annual summit in the host country.