ROC (Taiwan) Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade cohosted a luncheon Monday this week at the Nitijela Conference Room in celebration of the 24th anniversary of RMI-Taiwan diplomatic relations.
President David Kabua and Nitijela Member and Iroojlaplap Michael Kabua attended the reception with Cabinet members, senators and government officials. Around 70 guests joined the celebration.
The luncheon unfolded with congratulatory messages from President Kabua and Foreign Minister Kitlang Kabua and Taiwan Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu, followed by remarks from both sides.
“Marshall Islands is Taiwan’s Rainbow,” Taiwan Ambassador Steve Hsia said during the commemoration event at the Nitjela Conference Room.
President Kabua, Parliament members, House of Irooj, Chief Justice Carl Ingram, US Embassy Charge’d Affairs Jeremiah Knight, Marshall Islands Mayors Association and members of the Taiwanese community exchanged toasts in the event.
Works, Infrastructure and Utility Minister Jiba Kabua congratulated Ambassador Hsia and the government and people of Taiwan on behalf of President Kabua.
RMI’s unwavering support to Taiwan was highlighted in the event, specifically the government’s continued support to push for Taiwan’s recognition in the international arena.
Hsia talked about the close partnership in numerous cooperation projects such as education, climate change, public health, agriculture and food security. A special project called Digital Opportunity Center was also unveiled with the donation of 21 laptop computers from Taiwan.
Further, Ambassador Hsia expressed Taiwan’s appreciation for the recent passing of Resolution No. 79 by Nitijela in support of Taiwan’s international participation, and President Kabua’s speech promoting Taiwan’s participation in the UN system at the UN General Assembly earlier this year. “Our relations are like a 24-year old young man full of hope and energy to go for a bright future,” Hsia said
Representing Minister Kitlang Kabua, Minister Jiba Kabua lauded Taiwan’s support in numerous programs that have benefited the RMI and its generous sharing of the successful Taiwan Model to assist the RMI during the global pandemic. He stressed that the Marshall Islands will continue to advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in UN and international community.
To help set up a Digital Opportunity Center in the RMI, a total of 21 laptop computers were handed over by Ambassador Hsia to Finance Minister Brenson Wase at the ceremony. The reception reached its climax with singing from both Taiwan and RMI, followed by a cake cutting ceremony for the 24 years of bilateral friendship.