Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has extended Taipei’s congratulations to new Marshall Islands’ President, Hilda Heine.
Heine assumed the presidency following a vote among newly sworn-in legislators elected in the Marshall Islands’ 20 November 2023 general election.
As a staunch ally of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of China (Taiwan) will continue to work with the Pacific Island nation in areas such as food security, medical care, infrastructure, climate change adaptation and women’s empowerment to deepen the friendship between the two countries, MOFA said.
Taiwan will soon send an envoy to the Marshall Islands to congratulate Heine and her new Cabinet members on their election in person, the ministry added.
This is Heine’s second stint as President, having previously served from 2016 until 2020, when she was voted out of office and replaced by David Kabua in a 12-20 vote.
The Pacific Elders’ Voice (PEV) has also welcomed the Dr Heine’s second term in office.
“The PEV was privileged to have Dr Heine as the founding Chair of PEV and we were witness to her great leadership qualities. She had of course served previously as President of RMI and has the distinction of being the first female Head of State in the region, a statement from PEV said.
“She shares many of our values and positions on important issues such as climate change, environment, nuclear, decolonisation, development, geopolitics and many social issues, and will be a great champion in progressing these through the regional and global channels. Her leadership is also a great source of empowerment and pride to the women of the region, who are still fighting for equality, rights and justice. “The PEV is thrilled with the esteemed leadership that she will bring not only to RMI but to the Pacific region, the statement added.