At noon on June 10 local time (morning of the same day Taipei time), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao hosted an appreciation banquet in the Republic of Palau. In remarks, Vice President Hsiao expressed her gratitude to the Palauan government for its assistance and support during the delegation’s visit, which fully demonstrated the deep friendship between the two countries. The vice president stated that during her visit, she toured many places and witnessed the accomplishments of collaboration in areas such as agriculture, aquaculture, education, construction, and healthcare. She expressed confidence that this exchange will help deepen cooperation, and that the two sides will continue to work together to promote tourism development, foster sustainable economic growth, and create greater opportunities for the peoples of both nations.
A transcript of Vice President Hsiao’s remarks follows:
It’s a great honor to host today’s thank-you luncheon as a small token of appreciation for the warm hospitality and friendship that the people of Palau and government have extended to our delegation throughout the past few days. It’s our fifth day here, but it feels time is so short. But thank you for a very productive trip. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to President [Surangel S.] Whipps, [Jr.] and his administration, and also to the National Congress and all of those who have worked so hard behind the scenes to make this visit productive. As this is my first official overseas visit to a diplomatic ally since assuming office as vice president, Palau will always hold a very special place in my heart.
During my stay, I’ve had the opportunity to experience some of Palau’s most remarkable treasures, from the breathtaking waters of the German Channel and Shark City to the historic island of Peleliu. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for Palau’s extraordinary natural beauty, rich culture, and resilient spirit. I sincerely hope that more people from Taiwan will have the same opportunity to visit Palau and experience its unique charm for themselves.
I was also honored during this trip to visit the National Congress, attend the construction ceremony for the interstate road project, visit with members of the Taiwan Technical Mission, and witness the accomplishments from collaboration in agriculture, aquaculture, education, and digital assistance. We were also briefed by [CECI Engineering Consultants] on proposed projects to improve the landmark Long Island Park and the quality of biking and pedestrian walking paths in the state of Koror. We also appreciated Vice President [Raynold] Oilouch’s arrangements to tour Belau National Hospital and hear about Taiwan’s public health contributions to Palau in a briefing from the Shin Kong Hospital medical professionals. But of course, our public health collaboration extends way beyond the hospital-to-hospital partnerships. Even in my walks and roaming around this hotel, I have run into a number of Taiwanese medical doctors who are here on volunteer medical missions. And I’m so pleased that members of Taiwan society, experts in all walks of life, are able to contribute and take part in the strength of the Taiwan-Palau relationship.
Furthermore, throughout this trip, we have had extended conversations, including with some traditional leaders, but also with the people of Palau, about our shared Austronesian and indigenous cultural connections between us. Each of these engagements reflected the strength of our partnership and demonstrated how cooperation between Taiwan and Palau continues to deliver and develop tangible benefits for both our peoples. I’m confident that this visit will help further deepen our cooperation as we work together to support President Whipps’ vision for tourism development, promote sustainable economic growth, and create greater opportunities for our people.
For today’s luncheon, we have brought some Taiwan-grown taro and invited the hotel’s talented chefs to prepare a Taiwanese-flavor dish, and others of course. I understand that taro holds a special place in Palauan and Pacific culture and daily life. I’ve had a taste of different versions of taro leaf soup during my stay here. But I hope that our friends can enjoy a Taiwanese-flavored taro dish too, among the many dishes that we are offering today.
In closing, please allow me to once again express my sincere appreciation to President Whipps and his team for their exceptional hospitality, leadership, and friendship. I wish all of you good health, happiness, and continued success in your endeavors. And may the friendship between Taiwan and Palau continue to grow stronger for generations. Thank you. Mesulang.
President Whipps then delivered remarks, expressing his gratitude to Vice President Hsiao on behalf of the Palauan government and people for choosing Palau as the destination for her first official overseas visit. He mentioned that Vice President Hsiao visited many places during this trip and introduced Palau through the media, encouraging more Taiwanese tourists to visit and further deepening the friendship between the peoples of the two countries.
President Whipps pointed out that Vice President Hsiao’s visit and address to the Palau National Congress once again demonstrated the firm commitment of Taiwan and Palau to jointly create prosperity and defend freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. He also reaffirmed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and other international agencies, allowing Taiwan to contribute to the international community. Expressing his gratitude, he noted that Taiwan has contributed greatly to improving the lives of the Palauan people, including delivering medicines and saving lives with drones, as well as providing long-term assistance in improving Palau’s infrastructure for roads, water conservancy, healthcare, education, and fishing ports.
President Whipps stated that both Palau and Taiwan are islands of resilience, standing united in the face of various challenges such as war and the pandemic. Noting that both sides belong to the Austronesian family, he said they will continue to work together and develop jointly in the future, deepening the diplomatic ties and partnership between the two countries, and safeguarding peace and prosperity in this beautiful Pacific region. In closing, he once again thanked Vice President Hsiao for her visit and asked her to convey his greetings and regards to President Lai Ching-te.
Also in attendance at the banquet were First Lady Valerie Whipps, Vice President Oilouch, Queen Bilung Gloria Salii, Speaker of the House of Delegates Gibson Kanai, Vice President of the Senate Stevenson Kuartei, Minister of Justice Jennifer Olegeriil, and Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl.
