Deputy Foreign Minister Tien attends Pacific Island Countries dialogue

2024/09/03

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Chung-kwang participated in the 29th Taiwan/Republic of China-Forum Countries Dialogue held by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Aug. 30 in Tonga, underscoring the government’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Pacific allies and like-minded partners, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Concurrent with the 53rd Pacific Island Forum held Aug. 24-Sept. 2, the dialogue is cohosted by Hilda Heine, president of the Marshall Islands and Desna Solofa, deputy secretary-general of the PIF Secretariat. Delegations from Palau and Tuvalu also participated in the talks.

Tien said that Taiwan, in cooperation with allies and the PIF Secretariat, promotes the “2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent” proposed by PIF.

This year’s PIF theme “Transformative Resilience Pacifiki: Build Better Now” is reflected in ongoing collaborative initiatives on agriculture, clean energy, communication and information technologies, infrastructure, medicine and sanitation, personnel cultivation and women’s empowerment. Additionally, together with its Pacific allies, Taiwan has established a climate transition fund to build a more resilient Pacific region.

Tien signed a cooperative agreement for 2025-2027 with the PIF Secretariat, pledging to facilitate Pacific Region development. Taiwan will reinforce ties with like-minded partners in the region through PIF multilateral mechanisms.

The ministry also thanked the three Pacific allies as well as Australia and New Zealand, who recognized Taiwan’s contributions and participation while supporting its position in the PIF.

Taiwan has taken part in PIF events under the name Taiwan/ROC and Development Partner since 1993. Working with the PIF Secretariat on a long-term basis, Taiwan has provided aid for both regional development and PIF scholarships.

As a responsible member of global society, Taiwan continues to collaborate with Pacific countries to advance peace, stability and prosperity of the region, the MOFA said.


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