Tuvalu receives two coast guard vessels from Taiwan

2024/05/24

Taiwan ambassador to Tuvalu Lin Tung-heng presided over the handover of two multi-purpose coastal patrol boats to the ally, May 21 in the southern county of Pingtung, underscoring Taiwan’s commitment to improving the Pacific nation’s maritime patrol capabilities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo and his delegation attended the vessels’ handover following attendance at the May 20 presidential ceremony in Taipei City. 

Over the past 45 years of the diplomatic relationship, the two nations have undertaken cooperative projects with fruitful results, Teo said, adding that Tuvalu is grateful for Taiwan’s contribution to raising the country’s marine conservation and maritime patrol capabilities.

Lin said the donation met Tuvalu’s needs for coastal patrol missions and would effectively enhance the south Pacific ally’s coastal relief, law enforcement and conservation work.

Taiwan signed a cooperative coast guard agreement with Tuvalu Sept. 2022 to assist in conservation of marine resources via combat of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing practices. In July 2023, the two parties signed a contract in which Taiwan pledged to contribute the two multifunctional patrol vessels to Tuvalu, the MOFA added.

The ministry vowed to continue expanding cooperation with Pacific allies and other like-minded partners in various fields for sustainable peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. 


Source:  Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)