Taipei, March 25 (CNA) The visiting Marshall Islands President David Kabua has described his state visit to Taiwan as "impressive" and "amazing," according to his foreign minister on Friday.
Citing Kabua's words at a press conference in Taipei to wrap up his five-day state visit, the country's Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Casten Nemra said the delegation was particularly impressed with Taiwan's ability to maintain strong economic growth amid a difficult time.
"Taiwan's economy continues to grow, impressively and amazingly, despite the COVID-19 pandemic," he said, praising the Taiwanese government's leadership and society.
During the state visit -- the first overseas engagement for Kabua since he assumed office in January 2020 -- both countries had "productive conversations" that involved both public and private sectors, according to Nemra.
Those exchanges have helped enhance bilateral ties, Nemra said, adding that the country is proud of the diplomatic relations it forged with Taiwan 24 years ago.
"We want to deepen, expand, and find opportunities to (improve relations), not just government-to-government, but also people-to-people," Nemra said.
The Marshall Islands will also remain committed to supporting Taiwan's sovereignty and international inclusion, including its participation in the World Health Organization, Nemra said.
When asked if the Marshall Islands had a message about China's growing influence in the western Pacific, Nemra said he could not comment on whether it was right or wrong, as China had its own strategy.
What the Marshall Islands is certain about is that it will continue to work closely with Taiwan and the United States on economic and security issues, he said.
While the Marshall Islands is open to doing business with China and other countries, "I must be clear that when it comes to diplomatic ties, we know where we are," said Nemra.
President Kabua and his delegation, which arrived in Taiwan on March 21, met with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), and other government officials and representatives from the private sector during their stay.
The Marshall Islands is one of Taiwan's 14 diplomatic allies. The two countries have maintained official diplomatic ties since 1998.
