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

President William Lai (賴清德) yesterday 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 Taiwan’s 12 diplomatic allies and one of three in the Pacific.

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

President Wiliam Lai, right, accepts the credentials of Palauan Ambassador to Taiwan Gaafar Uherbelau during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Taipei yesterday.

Photo courtesy of the Presidential Office

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

Lai made the remarks after accepting the credentials of Palauan Ambassador to Taiwan Gaafar Uherbelau.

Uherbelau has long been highly regarded by the Palauan government, having served in senior roles including as health minister and presidential health adviser, Lai said.

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

Taiwan-Palau ties have grown increasingly close over the past two years, he said, 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.

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

In his remarks, Uherbelau said that 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, healthcare and technical assistance.

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