Taiwan showcases Pacific cooperation projects in Palau

Taipei, Aug. 29 (CNA) Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) attended the opening of the Pacific Prosperity Exhibit in Palau on Friday, showcasing Taiwan's cooperation with Pacific allies and like-minded countries.

Lin attended at the invitation of Palauan President Surangel Whipps, Jr. and toured the exhibition with Whipps, Palauan officials and representatives from the United States, Japan and Australia, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Saturday.

The exhibition presented cooperation projects involving Taiwan, its Pacific allies and the three countries in areas including low-carbon energy, social empowerment, smart agriculture, smart healthcare, digital resilience and infrastructure, according to MOFA.

Visitors also viewed an immersive presentation on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, a regional framework aimed at addressing shared challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Lin said Taiwan has long participated in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) as a "development partner" and supported the objectives of the 2050 strategy.

Taiwan will continue sharing its development experience and working with like-minded countries to address climate change, energy and digital transitions, and marine sustainability based on the needs of Pacific countries, he said.

The event also featured a joint performance by Taiwan's Naluwan Dance Troupe and the Belias Dancers from Palau's Airai State, as well as Taiwanese International Youth Ambassadors assisting with exhibition tours.

The exhibition was held as Palau prepares to host the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror from Sunday to next Friday.

Although Taiwan is not a PIF member, it has participated in the organization's mechanisms as a development partner since 1993 and typically holds dialogues and other events alongside the annual summit.

Taiwan and other non-member partners were excluded from last year's leaders' meeting in the Solomon Islands, whose government said the forum was reviewing its partnership arrangements.

Palau, the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu are currently the only three PIF members that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.