Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) has instructed his ministry to fully support Palau in hosting this international event, as the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is set to take place in the ally nation next year. Lin said Taiwan not only stands with it as a steadfast friend but also hopes to share its experiences and strengths globally through cooperation guided by the “Pacific Way” spirit. 

From Thursday to Sunday, December 18 to December 21, Lin led the Taiwan-Palau “Diplomatic Allies Prosperity” delegation, which included representatives from Taiwan’s tourism, healthcare, and energy sectors. One of the main reasons for the year-end visit, Lin wrote on Facebook, was to emphasize his ministry’s determination to assist Palau in successfully hosting the PIF.

During his trip, Lin inspected the planned PIF venue and pledged Taiwan’s support for developing green transport options to shuttle delegates’ vehicles that will later serve residents in line with Palau’s eco-friendly national goals.  

Michael Chau-horng Lin (林昭宏), director-general of the Foreign Ministry’s Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said Taiwan has long upheld the PIF’s core values of diversity and inclusiveness. “Taiwan’s participation in Pacific affairs has always upheld the ‘Pacific Way’ spirit of diversity and inclusiveness shared by PIF member countries. We believe that Taiwan’s involvement can continue to expand cooperation with the Pacific Islands Forum, our Pacific allies, and other like-minded nations,” he said.