Remarks at the welcoming ceremony

• Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
• Date：2026-03-04

Dr. Lin Chia-lung

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Republic of China (Taiwan)

March 4, 2026

(As Prepared for Delivery)

The Honorable Feleti Teo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu;

The Honorable Iakoba Italeli, Speaker of Parliament, and Mrs. Italeli;

Honorable cabinet ministers and members of parliament;

Distinguished clergy members and community leaders;

Ambassador Andrew Lin and colleagues at the ROC (Taiwan) Embassy;

Members of the Technical and Medical Missions;

Ladies and gentlemen:

Talofa!

It is an honor to be here as President Lai Ching-te's special envoy. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I convey my most sincere greetings to the people of Tuvalu. I also wish to express my heartfelt appreciation for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation.

This is my third visit to Tuvalu. Although my previous stays were brief, the pristine beauty of Funafuti and the warmth and kindness of the Tuvaluan people have remained vividly in my mind. I am therefore very pleased to return to this island.

Since Prime Minister Teo took office in 2024, high-level exchanges between our countries have become increasingly frequent, and our substantive cooperation has continued to break new ground. By working close together as a family, we can realize the spirit of kaitasi.

After becoming minister of foreign affairs, I implemented an integrated diplomacy policy and launched the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project so as to advance Taiwan's partnership with its allies across all domains. I am happy to note that these initiatives have already delivered tangible results.

During Prime Minister Teo's state visit last November, our countries signed three agreements. The Kaitasi Treaty reaffirmed our enduring diplomatic ties and commitment to deepening our mutually beneficial partnership. The Agreement on Diversifying Fisheries Cooperation was entered to help promote the development of Tuvalu's fisheries industry. And the Letter of Intent on Sports Exchange and Cooperation was signed to raise the international visibility of both our nations.

I am delighted that this visit will allow me to engage with communities across Tuvalu and witness the fruits of our bilateral collaboration. Lastly, I thank you once again for such a warm welcome. Fakafetai lasi!