Taiwan President William Lai accepted the credentials of Palau’s new ambassador, Gaafar Uherbelau, in Taipei and thanked the Pacific state for supporting Taiwan’s international participation. This was reported by the Taipei Times.
Palau is one of the 12 diplomatic allies of the Republic of China — Taiwan’s official name — and one of three such allies in the Pacific. According to Lai, Palau has consistently supported Taiwan at international forums, including the Pacific Islands Forum, the UN General Assembly and the World Health Assembly.
Support for Taiwan
Lai said that Palau had steadfastly supported Taiwan’s international participation despite changes in the regional and geopolitical situation. The president expressed hope that the two countries would continue to support each other on the international stage, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and promote the development of both states and the Indo-Pacific region.
According to Lai, relations between Taiwan and Palau have grown closer over the past two years. He mentioned his visit to Palau after taking office in May 2024, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s trip to Taiwan last year, and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim’s visit to Palau in June this year.
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Appointment of the ambassador
Lai noted that Uherbelau had held senior positions in Palau, including serving as health minister and presidential adviser on health matters. In Lai’s view, Uherbelau’s appointment as ambassador by President Whipps Jr. demonstrates the importance Palau attaches to bilateral relations.
Uherbelau said that ties between Taiwan and Palau date back to 1984, when Taiwan sent its first technical mission to Palau to help address food production problems. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1999. He also emphasized shared ancestral ties within the broader Austronesian family and mentioned cooperation in education, health care and technical assistance.
The new ambassador pledged to strengthen bilateral cooperation, expand opportunities for residents of both countries and uphold the shared values that, he said, unite Taiwan and Palau.
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