VP Hsiao Witnesses Road Completion, Hopes for Continued Taiwan-Palau Cooperation

(CNA, Ngchesar, Palau, 8th) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony today for the completion of an interstate road project in Palau's Ngchesar State. She stated that the roads built with Taiwan's assistance now account for about 68% of Palau's land transportation network, showcasing the results of long-term cooperation between the two countries. She expressed hope that both sides would work together to complete the main interstate road network on Palau's northern island of Babeldaob by 2028.

Launching her "Pa-Jung Project," Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the government-assisted engineering project in Ngchesar State in the afternoon. In her speech, she said that a well-developed road system not only helps to shorten the urban-rural gap but also improves the quality of life for local residents. She believes the completion of this interstate road project will further promote the connectivity and prosperous development of Palau's entire transportation network.

The Vice President mentioned that balanced development is not only an important goal of the Taiwan-Palau partnership but also a key policy direction promoted by President Lai Ching-te in Taiwan. The hope is to ensure that citizens living in various parts of Taiwan and engaged in different industries can grow, develop, and share the fruits of economic prosperity together. Therefore, balanced development has always been one of the priority policy goals.

The Vice President pointed out that based on shared values, the friendship between Taiwan and Palau has endured over time. Over the years, the two sides have cooperated on many important projects, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries. Taiwan has always attached great importance to the bilateral partnership and is pleased to continue supporting Palau's infrastructure through its annual foreign aid program.

She said that to date, roads built with Taiwan's assistance already make up about 68% of Palau's land transportation network. This impressive achievement is a concrete testament to the solid mutual trust, deep friendship, and close cooperation between the two nations.

Looking to the future, the Vice President stated that Taiwan will continue to assist in Palau's development in various fields and will fully support the vision laid out by Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. She hopes that both sides will work hand in hand to complete the main interstate road network on Palau's northern island of Babeldaob by 2028.

She expressed that a more complete transportation network will not only help drive economic growth and strengthen connections between states but also create a brighter, more balanced future for the people of Palau. With joint efforts, she deeply believes that Taiwan-Palau relations will surely continue to move forward steadily and flourish, and the rock-solid friendship between the two countries will endure. (Editor: Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150608