Taiwan deserves 'seat at the table' in international community: Tuvalu FM

Taipei, Sept. 15 (CNA) Tuvalu Foreign Minister Paulson Panapa said Tuesday that Taiwan's leadership in healthcare, digital innovation, and disaster response warrants a "seat at the table" and that Tuvalu will continue to speak up for Taiwan in the international community.

Panapa, whose portfolio also includes Labour and Trade, made the remarks during a meeting with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) at the Presidential Office on his first official visit to Taiwan in his current capacity.

Taiwan and Tuvalu are united by their shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, which "give meaning to our cooperation," Panapa said.

Those ties have been strengthened by the Kaitasi Treaty, signed between the two countries in November 2025, which underpins cooperation in the economy, food security, medicine and public health, among other areas, he added.

Going forward, Tuvalu hopes to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy and resilient infrastructure, and to expand opportunities in education and labor mobility, thereby advancing the sustainable development of the Pacific island nation, the minister said.

"Taiwan's leadership in health, digital innovation, and disaster response enriches the global community," Panapa said. "It is only right that such expertise has a seat at the table. Tuvalu will continue to speak with a clear voice in support of Taiwan's rightful place in the international community."

In turn, Lai noted that Taiwan and Tuvalu will mark the 47th anniversary of their diplomatic ties on Saturday.

The two countries have supported each other in the international community over the years while engaging in cooperation on digital transformation, power grid resilience, climate change adaptation, and aquaculture, Lai said.

He thanked Tuvalu for taking concrete action in support of Taiwan by advocating for Taiwan's international participation at this year's World Health Assembly and Pacific Islands Forum.

"We look forward to Tuvalu continuing to staunchly support Taiwan's international participation," he said, referencing that the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), which is scheduled for November.

Panapa is leading a five-member delegation, including Tuvaluan parliamentarian Monise Laafai, on a five-day visit to Taiwan that concludes Thursday, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.