Ambassador Jessica C. Lee of ROC (Taiwan) Embassy accompanied by Minister Franklin Chen invited by Palau's Senate President Hokkons Baules and House Speaker Sabino Anastacio, visited the Palau National Congress office in Koror on July 16th to attend the handover of the donation to OEK, the Palau National Congress. Ambassador Lee presented a donation in sponsorship funds to assist the OEK in hosting the 4th Conference of the Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group (PIPG).
Palau's Minister of Finance Kaleb Udui accepted the donation on behalf of the Palauan government. Senate Chairman of Tourism, Environment, and Maritime Affairs Umiich Sengebau and House Chairman of Maritime, Climate Change, and Conservation Affairs Sebastian Marino attended as guests. Around 30 people, including congressional assistants, staff, and media, were present, making the occasion cheerful and warm.
Senator Baules expressed gratitude in his speech for Taiwan's government sponsoring Palau's hosting of the Pacific Island Parliamentary Group (PIPG) annual meeting this year. He emphasized Palau's support for island nations committed to freedom and democracy, thanking Taiwan's support to fortify OEK’s participation in regional organization activities.
Speaker Anastacio stated in his address that Taiwan is a loyal partner to Palau, thanking Taiwan's government for generous assistance and Ambassador Lee's dedication to congressional relations. He praised Taiwan's efficient aid, noting the significance of Palau hosting the PIPG annual meeting for the first time in the Northern Hemisphere, bridging the gap between island nation parliaments. He assured that Palau's congress would utilize the funds responsibly and expressed gratitude for Taiwan's support in enhancing Palau's participation in regional activities.
Ambassador Lee, in her speech, announced that Taiwan's government is glad to response to Palau Congress's invitation to support the 4th PIPG annual meeting, and eager to assist, hoping for a successful event that deepens Palau Congress's connections and dialogues with Pacific island nations, highlighting Taiwan and Palau as like-minded countries cherishing freedom, democracy, and mutual support. Ambassador Lee also announced Taiwan's Legislative Yuan establishes the "Taiwan-Palau Parliamentary Friendship Association" just recently. It is another example for Taiwan to deepen ties with Palau's Congress, viewing it as a concrete step to enhance parliamentary connections and bilateral relations.
