TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Tuvalu's Deputy Prime Minister Panapasi Nelesone touched down in Taiwan Monday (April 14) for his inaugural official visit since assuming office. Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Remus Chen (陳立國) greeted the Pacific island dignitary at the airport. Nelesone's itinerary includes a meeting with Taiwan's President William Lai (賴清德) and attendance at a signing ceremony for a labor cooperation agreement with Foreign Minister Chia-lung Lin (林佳龍).
The high-level delegation includes Paulson Panapa, Tuvalu's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Labor, and Ampelosa Manoa Tehulu, the Minister of Public Works, Infrastructure Development, and Water Resources. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) confirmed it had extended the formal invitation for this diplomatic mission. Nelesone's agenda features consultations with Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA, 經濟部), Ministry of Finance, and the International Cooperation and Development Fund, focusing primarily on employment opportunities for Tuvaluan citizens in Taiwan.
According to media reports, the diplomatic relationship between Taiwan and Tuvalu spans 46 years, during which the nations have developed substantial cooperation on climate change initiatives, information and communication technology projects, and agricultural and fisheries development. The partnership continues to focus on improving living standards for citizens of both countries while contributing to stability across the strategically important Indo-Pacific region. ★