Majuro, Marshall Islands – President Hilda C. Heine and President Lai Ching-te held a productive bilateral meeting at the Cabinet Conference Room on December 3, 2024. President Heine expressed deep appreciation for Taiwan’s ongoing support in various sectors, including education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure, all of which have contributed significantly to the well-being and development of the Marshallese people. President Heine noted that while the countries have a strong and growing partnership, there are further opportunities to expand cooperation, particularly in areas such as transportation, trade, investment, tourism, and security.
The two leaders also discussed ways to improve trade and economic ties, focusing on aviation connectivity, particularly between the Majuro-Honolulu route, and the development of the tourism industry including the attraction of Taiwanese tourists and investors in sectors such as hotels and infrastructure. Taiwan’s assistance in the purchase of two Cessna Sky Couriers to support essential air transportation within the RMI was also acknowledged with gratitude.
In the field of education, President Heine expressed her appreciation for Taiwan’s support of Marshallese students, particularly the increase in available scholarship slots. With 21 spots now open under the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship program, many Marshallese students now have greater opportunities to pursue higher education in Taiwan.
Additionally, President Heine thanked Taiwan for its support in advancing healthcare in the Marshall Islands through the opening of the AI telemedicine center. The center is expected to provide crucial links between doctors and medical staff in remote areas.
President Heine closed the meeting by expressing her gratitude to President Lai for making the RMI the first stop on his tour of Pacific allies. Both leaders affirmed their shared commitment to strengthening their partnership emphasizing that deepening people-to-people relations will fortify their enduring friendship.
President Heine was joined by Minister-in-Assistance and Environment Bremity Lakjohn, Foreign Minister Kalani Kaneko, Finance Minister David Paul, Transportation, Community and IT Minister Hilton Kendall, Justice Minister Wisely Zackhras, Education Minister Joe Bejang, Ambassador Anjanette Kattil, Foreign Secretary Isabela Silk, and Chief of Staff Emma Kabua-Tibon.
President Lai was joined by Honorable Secretary-General Pan, Honorable Lin, Honorable Tseng, Deputy Secretary-General Chang, H.E. Ambassador Hsia, Director General Lan, and other officials.
Photo Courtesy: Chewy Lin
