Lai welcomes new Palau envoy, thanks ally for int'l support

Taipei, Sept. 9 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Wednesday thanked Palau for its continued support for Taiwan's international participation amid changing geopolitical circumstances as he received the credentials of the Pacific ally's new ambassador to Taiwan at a ceremony in Taipei.

Palau is one of the Republic of China's (Taiwan's official name) 12 diplomatic allies and one of three in the Pacific.

Speaking at the Presidential Office, Lai said Palau has consistently voiced support for Taiwan at international forums, including the Pacific Islands Forum, the United Nations General Assembly and the World Health Assembly.

Palau has steadfastly supported Taiwan's international participation amid shifts in the regional and geopolitical landscape, Lai said, adding that the friendship had brought "great warmth" to Taiwan.

Lai made the remarks after accepting the credentials of Gaafar Uherbelau, Palau's new ambassador to Taiwan.

The president said Uherbelau had long been highly regarded by the Palauan government, having served in senior roles including health minister and presidential health adviser.

His appointment as ambassador to Taiwan by President Surangel Whipps Jr. further demonstrated the "importance attached to and expectations for" bilateral ties, Lai said.

He also noted that Taiwan-Palau ties had grown increasingly close over the past two years, citing his visit to Palau after taking office in May 2024, Whipps' visit to Taiwan last year, and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim's (蕭美琴) trip to Palau in June this year.

Lai said he hoped the two countries would "continue to support each other internationally," deepen exchanges and cooperation across various fields, and contribute to the development of both countries and the Indo-Pacific region.

In his remarks, Uherbelau said Taiwan-Palau ties dated back to 1984, when Taiwan sent its first technical mission to Palau to help address food production challenges, 15 years before the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1999.

"As members of the broader Austronesian family, Palau and Taiwan share ancestral connections," he said, highlighting existing bilateral cooperation in areas including education, health care and technical assistance.

Beginning his tenure as ambassador, Uherbelau pledged to strengthen bilateral cooperation, expand opportunities for people in both countries and "uphold the shared values that continue to unite our two nations."