Visiting Palauan Vice President J. Uduch Sengebau Senior underscored the importance of three newly signed cooperation deals between Taiwan and Palau for her country's future, during a virtual meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen (???) in Taipei Wednesday.
Senior, who arrived in Taiwan Saturday for a five-day visit, said the three bilateral agreements were "so important to Palau's future" as the Pacific island nation endeavors to protect its people and natural resources against encroachment from illegal activities.
On Tuesday, Senior's delegation signed three memorandums of understanding (MOU) with Taiwan's Ministry of Justice and National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction that will serve as a basis for mutual legal assistance in criminal cases and forensic assistance between the two countries, as well as bilateral collaborations on disaster management.
Senior, who concurrently serves as the Palauan justice minister, also expressed hope that the exchange of knowledge and expertise on forensic science between Taiwan and Palau "will build our capacity at home" for criminal investigation.
The meeting between Senior and Tsai was held virtually after the Palauan vice president was placed under isolation on Sunday.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Senior had been asked to isolate after "some members" of the visiting vice president's delegation tested positive for COVID-19.
The delegation wrapped up their trip to Taiwan on Wednesday morning after the meeting with Tsai, MOFA said.
Senior told Tsai that Palau and Taiwan had developed a close relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1999, adding that the two countries had collaborated on education, agriculture, public health, fisheries, security, and judicial matters.
Senior added that she looked forward to establishing "more bilateral mechanisms" in the near future to strengthen efforts in the areas of "justice, maritime surveillance, disaster management and information technology."
Speaking in the same vein, Tsai expressed hope that the two countries would continue expanding mutually beneficial exchanges in a variety of fields.
Tsai also thanked Palau, one of 14 counties that still maintain diplomatic relations with Taipei, for long championing Taiwan's international participation, which she said was a demonstration of the spirit of mutual support shown by democratic allies.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel