Alexander Tah-ray Yui
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
April 27, 2022
(As Delivered)
Good afternoon!
It is an honor to host this farewell luncheon for Ambassador Teatu prior to her departure from Taiwan. Ambassador Teatu, we are very grateful for all that you have done to advance Taiwan-Tuvalu relations. I very much hope that you and your family have enjoyed your time here and that you are leaving with wonderful memories of your stay. And we look forward to your continued support in further strengthening the friendship, cooperation, and strong diplomatic alliance between our two countries.
I. Ambassador Teatu's tenure
Before assuming this post in 2017, you held many key positions in the Tuvaluan government. Quickly after arriving in Taiwan, you started to build a solid rapport with our government, actively promote bilateral cooperation, and arrange visits of the Prime Minister and other cabinet members. Over the years, you have fully immersed yourself in our community, participated in academic and commercial events, and tended to the needs of Tuvaluan students in Taiwan. We truly appreciate your tireless efforts.
II. Cordial relations
The Republic of China (Taiwan) and Tuvalu established diplomatic relations on September 19, 1979, making Tuvalu our first diplomatic ally in the South Pacific. In the course of this 43-year alliance, Tuvalu has always been one of Taiwan's staunchest partners.
After 34 years of diplomatic relations with Taiwan, Tuvalu set up an Embassy in Taiwan. His Excellency Minute Taupo served as the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Taiwan. You succeeded Ambassador Taupo to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. Through your hard work and our joint endeavors, the rock-solid alliance between Taiwan and Tuvalu has provided tangible benefits for both our peoples.
III. Consistent support for Taiwan's international participation
One of the key diplomatic goals of our government has been to promote Taiwan's meaningful participation in the international arena. We thank Tuvalu for repeatedly speaking up for Taiwan over the years and for urging the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and other international organizations to include Taiwan.
IV. Successful cooperation projects
Meanwhile, Taiwan and Tuvalu have engaged in systematic cooperation on a wide range of development projects in such areas as agriculture, human resources training, clean energy, healthcare, and culture. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has posed major challenges for international travel and exchange, our bilateral cooperation has continued. Indeed, Taiwan will remain a trustworthy partner of Tuvalu in achieving sustainable national development.
V. Conclusion
Finally, allow me to once again express my sincere gratitude to you for your exceptional contributions to deepening relations between Taiwan and Tuvalu. We fully expect that our bilateral cooperation will continue to steadily move forward in the years to come. I wish you and your family a safe journey back to Tuvalu, as well as the best of health and happiness. Thank you.