The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the ROC(Taiwan), Tien Chung-kwang, assumed the role of special envoy for President Tsai Ing-wen and led a delegation to partake in the inauguration ceremony of President Hilda Heine and the cabinet ministers of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The delegation's visit, spanning from January 20 to 22, 2024, marked a significant diplomatic engagement.
Upon arrival in the Marshall Islands, the delegation was warmly welcomed at the airport by Kalani Kaneko, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Marshall Islands, and Taiwanese compatriots living in the Marshall Islands.
At the inauguration ceremony, Special Envoy Tien extended congratulations to President Heine and subsequently presented a congratulatory letter from President Tsai Ing-wen during a meeting with the President and her cabinet members. President Heine underscored the enduring and revitalized bilateral relationship between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands, which has evolved over the course of 26 years of diplomatic ties. Highlighting the shared cultural heritage of Austronesian, President Heine also expressed the Marshall Islands’ commitment to nurturing the friendship between the two countries and reiterated strong support for Taiwan.
Special Envoy Tien also attended the Solar Parking Energy Storage System Launch Ceremony and the handover ceremony for the 60 tons of rice, the two assistance projects funded by Taiwan. These events were witnessed by various officials, including Minister-in-Assistance to the President and Environment Bremity Lakjohn, Minister of Education, Sports and Training Joe Bejang, Minister of Culture and Internal Affairs Jess Gasper Jr., and several senators and mayors.
Taiwan reaffirms its commitment to assisting the Marshall Islands in various aspects of development and looks forward to contributing jointly with the Marshall Islands to democracy and peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
