TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) met with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and his delegation in Taipei on Monday (Dec. 9), aiming to deepen ties in energy, trade, and investment. The president expressed optimism about future collaboration, highlighting the nearly 45-year sister relationship between Taiwan and Oklahoma, which transcends geographical and temporal boundaries.
Lai recently returned from visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, with stopovers in Hawaii and Guam, and he thanked the U.S. government for its assistance. Stitt noted Taiwan's status as one of Oklahoma's largest trade partners and anticipated strengthened cooperation in the autonomous drone sector. In October, an Oklahoma drone industry delegation explored partnerships with Taiwanese companies and signed several MOUs.
Lai pointed out that Taiwan and Oklahoma's Department of Education renewed an MOU on educational cooperation last year. He also mentioned a September visit by an Oklahoma delegation that bolstered ties in the drone industry. Stitt expressed a desire to expand collaboration in aerospace, drones, energy, and critical mineral supply chains to enhance trade and investment opportunities.
Lai emphasized that Taiwan-U.S. relations extend beyond economic and trade investments, underscoring a shared commitment to democratic values. Stitt stated his eagerness to sharing his Taiwan experience with Oklahomans and praised Taiwan's achievements in high-tech, R&D, electronics, and metal manufacturing. Lai mirrored his sentiments, emphasizing his appreciation for Oklahoma's legislative support for Taiwan's international participation, and thanked Stitt and the Oklahoma Legislature for their attention and support.
