President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) is continuing his inaugural overseas trip departing the Marshall Islands and proceeding to Tuvalu and Guam. He arrived at the Funafuti International Airport in Tuvalu on Wednesday, where he was warmly greeted by Taiwan’s Ambassador to Tuvalu, H.E. Andrew Lin (林東亨), Tuvalu parliamentary member Seve Paeniu, Tuvalu’s Foreign Minister Paulson Panapa and Acting Police Commissioner of Tuvalu Piliota Viliamu.
Shortly after arriving, President Lai participated in a traditional welcome ceremony with Tuvalu’s Governor-General Tofiga Vaevalu Falani and Prime Minister Feleti Teo. The visit included a state dinner hosted by the Prime Minister and meetings with key government officials. During his brief stay of less than seven hours, he also plans to visit a primary school.
Following the Tuvalu visit, President Lai will transit through Guam, a U.S. territory, where he is expected to be welcomed by the local Taiwanese community. Guam's Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero has indicated she will meet with President Lai and discuss potentially increasing aviation services between Guam and Taiwan.