Vice President Hsiao Meiqin attended the "Celebration Reception for the 32nd Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Palau" tonight and expressed sincere congratulations on behalf of the Taiwan government and people. The Vice President said that the Taiwan-Palau partnership is based on true reciprocity, and we walk side by side like a family. She also used "chopsticks" as a metaphor for the strength of unity between the two countries, emphasizing that Taiwan will continue to be Palau's most reliable partner and further deepen bilateral substantive cooperation through strategic investments such as tourism, power grid stabilization, and renewable energy.
After arriving, Xiao Meiqin first listened to the Taiwanese and Silk Road students singing the national anthems of the two countries and the traditional singing of Palau, and then delivered a speech in English. She said that this year she embarked on her first official trip after taking office as Vice President, and the destination was Palau. Under the enthusiastic guidance of President Hui Shuren, she was fortunate to visit the natural treasures of Palau, from the German waterways and the waters of Shark City to the coast of the historic Peleliu Island. She saw a resilient country that respects nature, respects history and is full of vitality. She sincerely hopes that more Taiwanese people can experience the unique charm of Palau.
Xiao Meiqin said that during that trip, she had the honor to deliver a speech at the Parliament of Palau and attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completion of the cross-state road project. She witnessed with her own eyes the results of cooperation between Taiwan and Palau in the fields of agriculture, education, medical and health, proving that the Taiwan-Palau partnership is not just words, but a thorough Directly improving people's lives by paving roads and building critical infrastructure; this partnership is also based on shared values, as President Hui Shuren stated: "Human rights, democracy, and the freedom of even the smallest island to determine its own destiny and future."
Xiao Meiqin pointed out that the Pacific Ocean does not separate us, but closely connects us. This relationship is based on true reciprocity. On the international stage, Palau has always been a solid friend who has the courage to speak out for Taiwan. At the United Nations General Assembly in September this year, Palau once again asked the international community to recognize Taiwan's basic right to participate in international affairs and make meaningful contributions, for which we are deeply grateful.
Xiao Meiqin said that Palau successfully hosted the 55th Pacific Islands Forum this year, demonstrating an inclusive regional vision. She thanked President Hui Shuren for firmly supporting Taiwan's participation in the forum as a development partner. Taiwan fully supports Palau's leadership role in the Pacific Islands Forum's "Three-person Leadership Group" mechanism. Facing the dual challenges of climate change and geopolitical changes, our region needs to be strong and resilient. We are convinced that Palau will continue to build consensus and lead the Pacific towards a sustainable future.
Xiao Meiqin also echoed President Hui Shuren's metaphor of "coconut fiber braided rope" and mentioned that there is also a proverb in Taiwan that "it is difficult to eat with only one chopstick, at least two are needed", and "unity is powerful" applies to any occasion. Looking to the future, Taipei will further deepen its partnership through strategic investments in tourism, power grid stabilization, renewable energy and other fields, and work together to prove to the world that mutual support between democratic countries can indeed be transformed into substantial prosperity and progress that benefits the people.
