Palau’s government will host the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders summit this year, with Taiwan pledging its full support, the Foreign Ministry stated on Tuesday. Per officials, Palau has begun consultations with close partners, including Taiwan, the United States, Japan, and Australia, on how to make the gathering a success. 

Taiwan, which participates in the PIF as a “development partner,” will work with Palau to highlight the years of bilateral cooperation during the summit, according to the ministry. Michael Lin (林昭宏), director-general of the Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said Palau aims to use the event to showcase how democratic partners and Pacific Island countries are advancing regional development, good governance, and resilience. 

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) visited Palau in December to inspect planned summit venues and promised to assist in setting up green transportation to shuttle dignitaries, which will later serve residents. Taiwan is also planning displays during the forum to present key achievements in agriculture, fisheries, clean energy, tourism, health care, and infrastructure cooperation with Palau. 

Lin said Taipei is confident Palau will uphold PIF traditions and the “Pacific Way” of inclusiveness and consensus-building as it welcomes member states and partners to the summit. Taiwan will, as in past years, send a delegation to participate in related meetings and events under its development partner status.