President Daniel K.Y. Han of the Legislative Yuan, accompanied by Vice President Johnny C. Chiang, met with a six-member delegation led by Speaker of the Nitijela (parliament) of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Brenson Wase on the afternoon of July 12. They were joined by Taiwan People’s Party Legislator Lin Yi-Chun, International Affairs Department Director Kevin C.F. Lin, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Chung-Kwang, Director-General of the Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Peter Sha-Li Lan, Minister Hank Liu of the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, as well as officials from the Republic of the Marshall Islands Embassy in Taipei, including H.E. Ambassador Anjanette Kattil, and Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Anjanette Celles Anjel.

When Speaker Wase and his delegation arrived at the Legislative Yuan, Vice President Chiang personally welcomed them at the main entrance. He then accompanied the guests into the meeting venue, where he invited Speaker Wase to sign the guestbook and take a group photo with the attending legislators and delegation members. Vice President Chiang noted that today is the third-to-last day of the first session of the 11th Legislative Yuan, with many important bills still pending. As a result, President Han was presiding over the sitting and could not personally greet the distinguished guests. Vice President Chiang expressed his honor in welcoming friends from the Marshall Islands on behalf of President Han. Vice President Chiang emphasized that the Republic of the Marshall Islands has long been an important ally of Taiwan. He recalled accompanying former President Ma Ying-Jeou on a visit to the Marshall Islands, a nation often referred to as the "Pearls of the Pacific." With its beautiful scenery and surrounded by the ocean, the Marshall Islands shares similarities with Taiwan as an island nation. Despite the over 5,600 kilometers between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands, the two countries share universal values such as democracy and freedom, as well as a deep connection through the Austronesian language family. Additionally, in March of this year (2024), Vice President Chiang led a delegation to Japan for the 52nd annual meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians' Union (APPU), where he engaged in warm exchanges with parliamentarians from the Marshall Islands. This past interaction made today's meeting with Speaker Wase and his delegation feel all the more familiar and welcoming.

Vice President Chiang continued by noting that as Taiwan and the Republic of the Marshall Islands celebrate the 26th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Taiwan looks back with deep appreciation on the Marshall Islands' steadfast support in the international arena. The Marshall Islands has consistently stood by Taiwan without hesitation. For instance, at the 78th United Nations General Assembly last year (2023), the former president of the Marshall Islands bravely spoke out for Taiwan in the face of powerful opposition, calling on the United Nations to accept Taiwan and advocating for Taiwan's meaningful participation in UN specialized agencies, conferences, and related mechanisms. Furthermore, on April 11 of this year, the Marshall Islands Nitijela (parliament) unanimously passed two pro-Taiwan resolutions: Resolution No. 9, supporting Taiwan's participation in the United Nations and other international organizations, and Resolution No. 10, reaffirming support for the strong bonds between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands. These tangible actions of friendship have deeply moved the people of Taiwan.

Vice President Chiang further remarked that both Taiwan and the Republic of the Marshall Islands are situated along the Pacific strategic island chain. In recent years, tensions in the Indo-Pacific region have drawn significant international attention, with many countries focusing on the peace and stability of the area. After the Marshall Islands signed the Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the United States, becoming a key member of the U.S. strategic initiative "Corridor of Freedom" in the Pacific, it underscored the indispensable role both Taiwan and the Marshall Islands play in maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region. This also highlights the importance of cooperation between the two nations within the Indo-Pacific strategy. Vice President Chiang expressed his hope for continued collaboration with the Marshall Islands in safeguarding security in the Indo-Pacific region.

In his remarks, Speaker Wase first expressed his gratitude to Vice President Chiang for taking the time to meet with the delegation. After introducing the members of his delegation, Speaker Wase emphasized the significance of this visit to Taiwan, noting that it coincided with the 26th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. He explained that his visit was intended to personally deliver to the Legislative Yuan the two pro-Taiwan resolutions, No. 9 and No. 10, which were unanimously passed by the Nitijela (parliament) of the Republic of the Marshall Islands earlier this year. Speaker Wase reaffirmed his nation's continued support for Taiwan's efforts to join international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). He also expressed his hope that China would respect Taiwan's rightful place in the international community. Looking ahead, Speaker Wase anticipated that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands would continue to collaborate in various fields, working together to create a future of peace and prosperity. Following his remarks, Speaker Wase formally presented the two pro-Taiwan resolutions, No. 9 and No. 10, to the Legislative Yuan, with Vice President Chiang accepting them on behalf of the Legislative Yuan.

During the bilateral exchanges, Legislator Lin Yi-Chun mentioned that she hails from Hualien County in eastern Taiwan, a region known for its large Indigenous population and rich Indigenous culture, which vividly showcases the characteristics of Austronesian culture. She expressed her gratitude to the Republic of the Marshall Islands for its long-standing support of Taiwan in the international arena. As a pharmacist by profession, Legislator Lin also expressed her hope to contribute her expertise and provide necessary assistance to enhance the healthcare and well-being of both nations.

The two sides then exchanged views on the island culture and special products of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. During the break of the Legislative Yuan session, President Han made a special effort to greet Speaker Wase, his spouse, and the other members of the delegation. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly, and filled with good spirits. The meeting, which lasted about 50 minutes, concluded successfully with an exchange of commemorative gifts between the two parties.

Note: List of Guests
1. Speaker of the Nitijela (parliament) of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Brenson Wase, and spouse
2. Senator Jack Ading, Nitijela (parliament) of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
3. Senator Wilbur Heine, Nitijela (parliament) of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
4. Senator Bruce Loeak, Nitijela (parliament) of the Republic of the Marshall Islands