TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Sir Iakoba Italeli, the speaker of Parliament from Tuvalu, arrived in Taiwan Wednesday (Aug. 27) for high-level diplomatic meetings and regional parliamentary discussions. The Tuvaluan leader plans to meet President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament, President Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) during his official visit. Italeli will also attend the 53rd annual meeting of the Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians' Union (APPU), highlighting Taiwan's continued engagement in regional parliamentary cooperation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan's foreign ministry, (MOFA, 外交部) announced that Italeli will stay in Taiwan from Aug. 27 to Sept. 4 with his wife and a six-member delegation, including Tuvaluan parliament member Seve Paeniu and his spouse. Deputy Minister Baushuan Ger (葛葆萱) welcomed Italeli at the airport early Wednesday (Aug. 27), expressing Taiwan's sincere appreciation for the visit. The extended eight-day diplomatic mission underscores the importance both nations place on strengthening bilateral ties.
The current trip represents Italeli's second visit to Taiwan since assuming his parliamentary leadership role. MOFA officials confirmed that Italeli will attend a formal banquet hosted by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and participate in APPU's annual meeting and related diplomatic activities. The ministry emphasized the robust partnership between Taiwan and Tuvalu, highlighting their shared commitment to universal values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Taiwan and Tuvalu maintain close collaboration across multiple sectors, including healthcare, talent cultivation, agriculture, fisheries, and clean energy development. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that both nations remain committed to expanding diverse bilateral exchanges that promote citizen welfare and regional stability. Their partnership aims to contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the strategically important Indo-Pacific region. ◼