The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the Marshall Islands hosted a reception to celebrate the 112th National Day of the ROC(Taiwan) on the evening of October 6, 2023, at the Marshall Islands Resort. The event was attended by various distinguished guests, including H.E. President David Kabua of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, First Lady Ginger Kabua, Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua, Speaker Kenneth Kedi and Mrs. Kedi, several ministers and senators and local Taiwanese compatriots. The medical Mission led by the Vice Superintendent Dr. Chen of Shuan Ho Hospital, currently providing assistance in the Marshall Islands, was also invited to attend the reception.
In his remarks, Ambassador Steve C.C. Hsia emphasized that this year marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands. He expressed gratitude to the Marshall Islands Parliament for adopting a resolution reaffirming their support for Taiwan, as well as highlighting the strong ties between the two countries, which not only reflect close friendship but also demonstrate the solidarity of the “Team Democracy.”
Ambassador Hsia stressed that Taiwan actively supports the Marshall Islands in addressing climate change, especially in the areas of climate adaptation and resilience.
Taiwan and the Marshall Islands have signed a MOU to establish the climate change adaptation and contingency fund; through the fund, Taiwan would donate $800,000 to build a seawall in the Jenrok area to assist the Marshall Islands in tackling the impacts of climate change.
Ambassador Hsia also noted the close cooperation between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands in fields such as food security, balanced nutrition, energy security, and education. He then announced that Taiwan would donate 700 boxes of pomelos and 60 tons of rice to the Marshall Islands later this year.
Wilbur Heine, Minister of Education and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, delivered remarks on behalf of the Government of the Marshall Islands. He praised Taiwan's democracy and progress and reiterated the Marshall Islands' commitment to advocating for the correction of the United Nations' wrongful exclusion of Taiwan. Minister Heine also congratulated Taiwan on its National Day and expressed gratitude for Taiwan's long-standing assistance to the Marshall Islands.
During the reception, a handover ceremony was held to mark the contribution of the Taiwan-Marshall Islands Climate Change Adaptation and Contingency Fund, with Ambassador Hsia donating $800,000 to aid in the construction of a seawall in the Jenrok area.
To showcase the diversity of Taiwanese culture, the reception featured a Taiwanese bamboo vendor and cuisines such as braised pork rice, meatball soup, and fried noodles. The splendid performances by local Taiwanese compatriots and Embassy staff, along with a musical choir led by Ambassador Hsia and Mrs. Hsia, created a lively and joyful atmosphere at the event, allowing guests to experience Taiwanese authentic culture.