November 12, 2023
No. 388
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Chung-kwang led a delegation to the 28th Taiwan/Republic of China-Forum Countries Dialogue held by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat in the Cook Islands on November 10 local time. Tuvaluan Prime Minister Kausea Natano and PIF Deputy Secretary General Esala Nayasi jointly presided over the event. Delegations from Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Nauru attended the meeting.
In a speech delivered at the event, Deputy Minister Tien stated that since Taiwan had begun participating in PIF events under the name Taiwan/R.O.C. in 1993, it had engaged in bilateral cooperation and multilateral initiatives with the PIF Secretariat that aligned with the priority policies of Pacific island nations and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He added that the Republic of China (Taiwan) had long implemented projects across the Pacific in diverse domains—including agriculture, education, medical care, public health, ICT, women’s empowerment, clean energy, and basic infrastructure—improving the well-being of people in the region. Deputy Minister Tien reaffirmed that, moving forward, Taiwan would continue to engage in proactive cooperation with the PIF, Taiwan’s four diplomatic allies in the Pacific, and like-minded countries in the region to implement the PIF’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, as well as to advance regional prosperity and sustainable development.
During the event, the PIF Secretariat briefed Taiwan and its four Pacific allies on implementation plans for the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, current progress on Taiwan-PIF regional cooperation, and priorities for the coming year. The Secretariat also commended the R.O.C. (Taiwan) for its achievements in promoting a variety of development assistance programs in the Pacific and expressed the hope that Taiwan would continue to work with Pacific island nations to foster greater prosperity.
Deputy Minister Tien led a delegation to the Cook Islands to attend events concurrent with the 52nd PIF Leaders Meeting. He held bilateral meetings with Taiwan’s four diplomatic allies in the Pacific and hosted a welcome banquet. He also engaged in bilateral talks with delegations from like-minded countries. All parties agreed to strengthen cooperation on issues of common concern to Pacific nations, such as climate change, talent cultivation, and maritime law enforcement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will build on existing solid foundations to further cooperation in these domains, consolidate diplomatic alliances, and enhance partnerships with friendly Pacific nations. (E)