Dec 12, 2006

Taiwan: Tuvalu Pledges Support for ROC International Recognition


Tuvalu Prime Minister said his country has been and will continue to be Taiwan's staunchest ally and will seize every possible opportunity to speak for Taiwan's cause.

Visiting Tuvalu Prime Minister Apisai Lelemia said Monday his country has been and will continue to be Taiwan's staunchest ally and will seize every possible opportunity to speak for Taiwan's cause in the international community.

Lelemia made the pledge during a dinner given by Premier Su Tseng-chang at the Taipei Guest House in honor of him and his entourage.

This is Ielemia and his wife's second visit to Taiwan this year. During the dinner, Su expressed his gratitude for Ielemia's firm support for Taiwan over the years. Ielemia has voiced support for Taiwan's bid to join major international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Health Organization, on numerous international occasions.

Earlier in the day, Su accompanied Ielemia on a visit to a tropical fruit orchard in the southernmost county of Pingtung where more than 300 new or rare tropical fruit species have been developed and cultivated. Ielemia said he was impressed by beautiful scenery and people's hospitality in Pingtung -- Su's hometown.

Meanwhile, Tuvalu Parliament Speaker Kamuta Latasi is also in Taipei. He met with President Chen Shui-bian at the Presidential Office Monday.

Chen, who made a half-day state visit to Tuvalu May 30, 2005, extended a warm welcome to Latasi who attended the inauguration of the Pacific Congressional Caucus under the Pacific Democratic Union Sunday.

Chen said Taiwan is grateful for Tuvalu's long-term support for Taiwan's cause in the world arenas, adding that he hopes relations between the two countries will further expand and thrive. Chen is the first Republic of China head of state to visit the South Pacific island country.