President Attends First Pacific Cultural Gala, Hopes for Cooperation with Allies to Create Prosperity

(CNA, Taipei, 5th, Reporter Lai Yu-chen) President Lai Ching-te attended the first 'Pacific Cultural Gala' today with ambassadors from Taiwan's Pacific allies. He stated that the ocean is a road connecting the world, not an obstacle, and that Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with its Pacific allies in various fields to create prosperity for their nations.

The Presidential Office released a press release in the evening stating that President Lai attended the first 'Pacific Cultural Gala 2026' today. Attendees included National Security Council Secretary-General Wu Chao-hsieh, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, Sports Administration Deputy Minister Huang Chi-huang, Marshall Islands Ambassador to Taiwan Anjanette Kattil, Tuvalu Ambassador to Taiwan Lily Tangisia Faavae, Palau Chargé d'Affaires David Adams Orrukem, and representatives from other diplomatic missions.

In his speech, President Lai mentioned that his first official visit after taking office in 2024 was to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. He witnessed the results of smart healthcare cooperation between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands, signed a 'Letter of Intent for Pacific Cable Cooperation' with Tuvalu, and conducted a joint maritime rescue exercise with Palau. He said he deeply felt that they were like one family and saw the courage of Austronesian ancestors who braved the vast ocean to build a brilliant and diverse maritime civilization.

He stated that Taiwan and its Pacific allies are all maritime nations with a maritime cultural DNA. In addition to shared cultural roots, they also share democratic and free values. For many years, they have supported each other and walked side by side, contributing to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

President Lai said he has always believed that the ocean is never a boundary that separates people, but a road that connects the world. In the future, Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with its Pacific allies in various fields to create prosperity for their nations, making the Pacific an ocean of peace, cooperation, and hope. He also expressed his hope that the ties between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau will remain strong and enduring. (Editor: Su Lung-chi) 1150605