Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome banquet for Marshall Islands delegation led by Nitijela Speaker Wase

Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome banquet for Marshall Islands delegation led by Nitijela Speaker Wase

• Date：2024-07-15
• Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

July 15, 2024
No. 242

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and his wife held a luncheon on July 15 for a delegation from the Marshall Islands led by Nitijela Speaker Brenson Wase and his wife. The cross-party delegation also comprised Senators Jack Ading, Wilbur Heine, and Bruce Loeak.

Welcoming Speaker Wase, Mrs. Wase, and their group to Taiwan on behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Minister Lin said that the presence of another Marshallese delegation following President Hilda Heine's visit in May demonstrated the Marshall Islands' staunch support for Taiwan.

Minister Lin recognized Speaker Wase's active efforts to deepen bilateral relations over the years while serving in different positions and extended special gratitude to Speaker Wase for promoting the passage of two resolutions in the Nitijela this year-one supporting the diplomatic alliance between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands and the other advocating Taiwan's participation in international organizations. Noting that the resolutions underscored Speaker Wase's profound friendship with Taiwan, Minister Lin stressed that Taiwan was deeply appreciative of his support. He also emphasized that the two countries shared the universal values of democracy, freedom, and human rights and would continue to build upon the excellent foundation already established so as to further deepen bilateral cooperation in a diverse range of areas.

Thanking Minister Lin for hosting the reception, Speaker Wase said that he was deeply honored to make his first visit to Taiwan in his current capacity. He observed that Taiwan had always been a valuable partner throughout the course of the Marshall Islands' national development and had provided steadfast assistance in such areas as healthcare, infrastructure, education, and women's empowerment. Stating that the Marshall Islands highly appreciated Taiwan's sincere and enduring friendship, Speaker Wase said that he hoped bilateral relations would attain greater heights under Minister Lin's leadership.

The luncheon was also attended by Marshall Islands Ambassador to Taiwan Anjanette Kattil; Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lue Jen-der; and MOFA Secretary General Daniel Diann-wen Tang and Ambassador Chen Wen-yi, both former ambassadors to the Marshall Islands. Participants enjoyed in-depth exchanges on a broad range of issues, including human resources building, telemedicine, climate change, and Austronesian cultural interactions. (E)