Palauan President Surangel Samuel Whipps Jr. stated that the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Summit, opening on Sunday, August 30, is an excellent opportunity to showcase the bilateral relations and cooperative achievements between Taiwan and Palau to the region and the international community. Whipps spoke at a dinner hosted by Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) on Thursday, August 27.

Lin arrived in Palau with a large delegation earlier that day, first visiting the national hospital with Palauan Vice President and Health Minister Raynold Oilouch to gain a firsthand understanding of the long-term achievements in medical and health care cooperation. He said that Taiwan hopes to further deepen cooperation across areas from infrastructure construction and medical services to digital technology and talent development, making Taiwan a vital partner in safeguarding the health of the Palauan people.

Whipps expressed Palau's delight in hosting the PIF, anticipating over 2,000 distinguished guests who will personally witness the progress Palau has made with Taiwan's assistance. He said, "This and next week also gives us a great opportunity to share with the Pacific and the strength of our partnership, the successes we have achieved together, and what more we can do together."

President Whipps especially thanked Lin for leading such a large delegation, emphasizing that Taiwan and Palau have long transcended partnership to become a family. Family members share with each other; therefore, the relationship between Taiwan and Palau will involve sharing prosperity.

Lin stated that the purpose of inviting representatives from the Taiwanese business community to Palau was to allow a detailed understanding of local development needs and potential investment and cooperation opportunities. The move also further promotes cooperation between the government and the private sector to effectively connect Taiwan's industrial advantages with Palau's development needs.