Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on July 3 met with a visiting delegation led by Republic of the Marshall Islands Minister of Education, Sports and Training Joe Bejang. Minister Lin warmly welcomed Minister Bejang on his first visit to Taiwan since taking office. The two engaged in in-depth discussions on bilateral educational and cultural cooperation.
Minister Lin began by congratulating the Marshall Islands on successfully hosting the recent Micronesian Games. He thanked Minister Bejang for his steadfast support for Taiwan over the years, especially during his tenures as minister of health and minister of justice, when he frequently voiced support for Taiwan in international forums, for which the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) are deeply grateful. Minister Lin emphasized Taiwan’s deep appreciation for its friendship with the Marshall Islands and reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to continuing to work closely with the Marshallese government to advance cooperation in education and various other fields.
In his remarks, Minister Bejang conveyed special gratitude for Taiwan’s assistance to the Marshall Islands as host of this year’s Micronesian Games. He also thanked Taiwan for its many years of continuing support through scholarships and training programs, which he said helped develop local talent in the Marshall Islands. Stressing the shared values of democracy and freedom between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands and the robust and close relationship that had flourished over 26 years of diplomatic ties, Minister Bejang said he looked forward to further deepening multifaceted cooperation based on this solid foundation.
Following the meeting, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Educational Cooperation. The MOU will expand country-to-country exchanges in education, sports, and personnel training. It will also enhance bilateral cooperation in such areas as mutual visits, capacity building, teacher training, Austronesian cultural research, and the deployment of volunteers.
After the signing ceremony, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Chung-kwang hosted a luncheon for Minister Bejang and his delegation. In addition to calling at the Ministry of Education on the afternoon of July 3, Minister Bejang will also make visits to observe the outcomes of Taiwan-Marshall Islands educational and medical cooperation projects. During the luncheon, Minister Bejang expressed his gratitude for the warm reception provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and once again extended his wishes for everlasting friendship between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands.
Sources: Minister of Foreign Affairs
