Tien, Chung-kwang
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
June 28, 2024
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Ladies and gentlemen:
Talofa!
On behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I am deeply honored to attend the signing ceremony for the design contract for Tuvalu’s Parliament House. I extend my sincere congratulations to both the Tuvaluan parliament and the OECC as we mark another significant milestone in this construction project.
Since its independence in 1978, Tuvalu has been seeking a more suitable venue for parliament sessions and offices for the speaker and members of parliament and staff—presenting challenges in terms of implementing parliamentary oversight and inquiries. This long-standing issue has prompted Taiwan to lend assistance toward the construction of a dedicated parliament building in Tuvalu. We anticipate that once Parliament House is completed, members of parliament will be able to carry out their constitutional duties in a more pleasant and productive environment.
I have been personally involved in this project since its early days. Last February, I led a delegation to conduct a site survey and urged the OECC to employ all methods at its disposal to overcome technical challenges. Following several rounds of discussion in the period since, the two sides recently reached consensus on the design contract.
In addition to acknowledging the valuable efforts of the OECC, I also want to take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to Prime Minister Teo; Speaker Italeli; the Honorable Ampelosa Tehulu, Minister of Public Works, Infrastructure Development and Water; and the Honorable Namoliki Sualiki Neemia, MP. I am confident that with your continuing support, this project will be sure of every success.
Parliaments stand as powerful symbols of democracy, and I want to use today’s ceremony to reiterate Taiwan’s determination to work with Tuvalu to uphold our shared values of democracy, freedom, and respect for the rule of law and human rights. Parliament House is where the voices of the Tuvaluan people will be heard. In funding this construction project, Taiwan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting Tuvalu’s democratic development. Taiwan will continue to be Tuvalu’s staunch partner in advancing and defending democracy.
Last but not the least, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the government of Tuvalu for its continuing ardent backing of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, in particular the vocal support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Assembly this May. Moving forward, I trust that both nations will continue to work to safeguard our democracies and support the welfare of both our peoples.
Fakafetai lasi!
Thank you!