Remarks at a welcome banquet hosted by H.E. Hilda Heine, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands

Remarks at a welcome banquet hosted by H.E. Hilda Heine, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands

• Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
• Date：2026-04-07

Dr. Lin Chia-lung

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Republic of China (Taiwan)

April 7, 2026

(As Prepared for Delivery)

Your Excellency Hilda Heine, President of the Marshall Islands, and First Gentleman Mr. Thomas Kijiner Jr.;

Honorable Ministers and Senators;

Traditional leaders;

Distinguished guests;

Ladies and gentlemen:

Iakwe aolep!Good evening!

It is a great honor to lead a delegation to the Marshall Islands on behalf of President Lai Ching-te.

Earlier at the airport, I mentioned that the Marshall Islands was the first diplomatic ally that I visited after taking office. This is already my third trip to your beautiful country. The Marshall Islands will always hold a special place in my heart.

During my tenure, I have promoted a policy of integrated diplomacy, which is built on three pillars: values-based diplomacy, alliance diplomacy, and economic diplomacy.

Our aim is to share Taiwan's experiences with our allies by supporting economic development and nurturing innovation. The Marshall Islands boasts enormous potential. We see great opportunities to cooperate on sustainable fisheries, ecotourism, clean energy, and smart agriculture.

On this trip, I have invited business representatives from various industries to join me. We want to contribute to President Heine's vision for a sustainable economy, increase the prosperity of both our nations, and further promote shared values.

Since establishing diplomatic ties, Taiwan and the Marshall Islands have been firm friends. We have shared success and navigated challenges together. I am confident that our alliance will continue to grow stronger.

Finally, I would like to propose a toast: to the lasting friendship between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands and to the health and happiness of the people of both our countries.

Thank you and kommol tata!