Image Credit: Taiwan News
Tuvalu’s Speaker of Parliament, Sir Iakoba Taeia Italeli, expressed a desire for closer cooperation with Taiwan during a meeting with President Lai Ching-te on Wednesday, 12 September. Italeli conveyed his gratitude for Taiwan’s substantial contributions to Tuvalu, emphasising the transformative impact on the island nation.
Highlighting Taiwan’s support, Italeli pointed out the significant benefits of the undersea cable project, which has notably improved Tuvalu’s connectivity and addressed regional disparities. The Speaker also underscored Taiwan’s role in bolstering Tuvalu’s agricultural and fisheries sectors, crucial for the nation’s food security and economic stability.
Italeli reaffirmed Tuvalu’s unwavering commitment to Taiwan, citing a 45-year partnership marked by mutual support and collaboration. He assured that Tuvalu would persist in advocating for Taiwan within the international community.
This development follows recent tensions at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), where the Solomon Islands, acting on Beijing’s directives, proposed a motion to expel Taiwan from the organisation. Taiwan, which has been a development partner of the PIF since 1993, faces ongoing challenges regarding its diplomatic presence in the region.
Responding to the threat of exclusion, Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang assured that the nation’s Pacific allies, including Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, and Palau, alongside other supportive nations, remain steadfast in their backing of Taiwan. He affirmed that Taiwan would continue to assert its rightful place in international affairs despite these challenges.