Minister departs for Pacific Islands Forum in Palau

A delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) departed for Palau yesterday to attend side events held alongside the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

Speaking to reporters before departing from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Lin said that the visit, scheduled through Thursday next week, aims to boost trade, investment and tourism cooperation between Palau and Taiwan while creating opportunities for exchanges with other Pacific nations.

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

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung waves before departing for Palau at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport yesterday.

Photo: CNA

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

He would also attend the Pacific Prosperity Exhibition, in which the US, Japan and Australia are to showcase Pacific cooperation and development projects, the ministry said.

The ministry added that Lin is to 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 Whipps Jr and Vice President Raynold B. Oilouch, and visit Palau National Hospital and projects under the Taiwan-Palau Prosperity Project, it said.

Although 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.