President 
Lai Ching-te accepted the credentials of Gaafar Uherbelau, Palau's new ambassador to Taiwan, on September 9 and thanked Palau for speaking up for Taiwan at major international forums. The forums included the Pacific Islands Forum, the UN General Assembly and the World Health Assembly, and Lai said Palau had firmly backed Taiwan's international participation amid shifting regional and geopolitical conditions, adding that the friendship "leaves Taiwan feeling deeply warmed," CNA reported. He also cited the two countries' deep Austronesian cultural ties and shared values of democracy and freedom.
Who is the new ambassador? Uherbelau, who Lai said at the Presidential Office ceremony had long worked in Palau's public health and medical services, previously served as health minister, deputy commander of the country's emergency operations centre and special adviser to the president on public health. As health minister in 2023 he visited Taiwan for the Taiwan Global Health and Welfare Forum. His appointment by Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. showed the importance Palau attaches to the relationship, Lai said.
How have ties developed recently? Exchanges have grown steadily closer over the past two-plus years, Lai said, citing his own visit to Palau after taking office, a delegation Whipps led to Taiwan last year, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim's trip to Palau in June and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung's attendance at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau late last month. He said he hoped the two countries would keep supporting each other internationally, deepen cooperation across fields and contribute to development in the Indo-Pacific.
What did Uherbelau say? The friendship dates to 1984, when Taiwan sent a technical mission to Palau, and formal diplomatic relations followed in 1999, the ambassador said in his address, CNA reported. He cited Palauan students who return home to serve after studying in Taiwan, patients who travel to Taiwan for treatment and Taiwanese technical experts working with local communities, calling such people-to-people exchange the most solid foundation of the relationship. He said he would do his utmost to strengthen cooperation, expand exchanges between the two peoples and uphold the values the two countries share.
Figures referenced: Lai Ching-te. — JudgeMarket.
