TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) welcomed Tuvalu's new ambassador to Taiwan, Lily Tangisia Faavae, during a formal reception at the Presidential Office on Tuesday (April 8). During the ceremony, President Lai underscored Taiwan's dedication to confronting global challenges alongside the Pacific Island nation, particularly climate change and the spread of authoritarianism, while reaffirming his administration's commitment to deepening the longstanding partnership.
The diplomatic reception was attended by high-ranking Taiwanese officials, including Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an (潘孟安) and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), as President Lai formally received Ambassador Faavae on behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan). In his remarks, the president emphasized the importance of the joint communiqué signed last year that outlined plans for strengthening the comprehensive partnership between the two allied nations.
President Lai reflected on the milestone 45-year diplomatic relationship that Taiwan and Tuvalu commemorated last year, characterized by multiple high-level exchanges. He recalled how Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo (戴斐立) had traveled to Taiwan twice in 2024 — in May and October — to participate in significant ceremonial events, and subsequently hosted President Lai during his reciprocal state visit to the Pacific nation in December.
The Taiwanese president suggested that Ambassador Faavae's diplomatic appointment demonstrated Prime Minister Teo's deep commitment to maintaining strong ties between the two countries. President Lai specifically acknowledged Faavae's previous diplomatic efforts supporting Taiwan's interests at the World Health Assembly, expressing optimism about enhanced cooperation under her tenure as ambassador.
Responding to the presidential welcome, Ambassador Faavae delivered warm greetings on behalf of her government and the people of Tuvalu. She characterized the 45-year diplomatic relationship as one founded on principles of mutual respect, practical cooperation, and common democratic values that have sustained the partnership through changing global circumstances.
The new ambassador enumerated the diverse areas where Taiwan and Tuvalu have established productive partnerships, including educational exchanges, healthcare system development, climate change resilience initiatives, agricultural technology transfer, renewable energy projects, and digital infrastructure improvements. Ambassador Faavae affirmed her commitment to further enhancing bilateral relations and fostering deeper mutual understanding during her diplomatic mission, expressing enthusiasm for collaboration with Taiwanese officials and institutions to pursue shared objectives.
