Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim Departs for Palau, Hopes to Deepen Bilateral Cooperation

(Central News Agency, Taoyuan Airport, June 6) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim today launched the "Bo Rong Project," her first official visit to an ally, Palau, since taking office. In a pre-departure speech at Taoyuan International Airport, Vice President Hsiao expressed her hope that the visit would further deepen bilateral cooperation in diverse fields and look to the future based on existing foundations.

Vice President Hsiao is leading a delegation to Palau for a five-day visit. The trip aims to strengthen Taiwan-Palau friendship, witness the results of the "Rong Bang Project," and promote sustainable tourism. Vice President Hsiao will go snorkeling with Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. to experience the "God's Aquarium" and attend a drone donation ceremony, showcasing Taiwan's achievements in tourism and tech diplomacy.

In her pre-departure address at Taoyuan Airport, Vice President Hsiao said that today marks the official launch of the "Bo Rong Project" and her first time leading a delegation to a diplomatic ally as Vice President. She stated that she feels honored and deeply aware of the significant responsibility entrusted to her by President Lai Ching-te.

Vice President Hsiao outlined three objectives for the trip. The first is to deepen the friendship between Taiwan and Palau. The delegation will visit President Whipps and other leaders. She noted that President Whipps has visited Taiwan multiple times since taking office, demonstrating the bilateral friendship through concrete actions, and the delegation's return visit is expected to further strengthen mutual bonds.

The second objective is to assist Palau in promoting sustainable tourism, a priority for the Palauan government, and to encourage more Taiwanese to see the beauty of Palau. The delegation has been invited by President Whipps to visit renowned local sustainable tourism sites, hoping that more citizens will follow their footsteps and get to know Palau through tourism.

The third objective is to jointly witness the results of the "Taiwan-Palau Rong Bang Project" with the Palauan government. Taiwan has been working with Palau in recent years to promote this project, fostering Palau's national development. The visit will allow for a firsthand look at the outcomes of bilateral cooperation in areas such as healthcare, agriculture and fisheries, and public infrastructure.

Vice President Hsiao acknowledged that diplomatic work is never easy. The delegation will also visit the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Palau to cheer on all the frontline colleagues. She emphasized that the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Palau have maintained diplomatic relations for over a quarter of a century, with frequent interactions. She expressed her hope that this visit will further deepen cooperation in diverse fields and build a shared future on the existing foundation. (Editor: Lin Shu-hui) 1150606