Press Release: President Remengesau Receives ROC Fleet of Friendship Officers at the Capitol
For Immediate Release
Serial No. PR-17-031
May 8, 2017
Office of the President
On May 8, 2017, Ambassador Michael Y. K. Tseng of the Republic of China-Taiwan to Palau, Rear Admiral Chiang Cheng-kuo and Navy officers from the ROC-Taiwan Fleet of Friendship, a fleet consisting of Flagship Pan-Shi, Frigate Si-Ning, and Frigate Chang-Chien, paid a courtesy visit to President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. at the Office of the President in Ngerulmud, Melekeok.
In its thirteenth visit to the Republic of Palau, President Remengesau expressed his appreciation of the Fleet’s continued goodwill visit since its establishment during his first-term as President 16 years ago, expressing, “The Fleet of Friendship visit is an important symbol and collaboration of our special relationship, friendship and brotherhood. The program also promotes people-to-people exchange amongst our people and further strengthens the strong relationship shared by the Republic of Palau and the Republic of China-Taiwan.”
In addition to the goodwill visits made by the Fleet of Friendship, the Republic of China-Taiwan in 2016 accepted two young Palauans, Francis Tkel and Shondel Techitong, to the Naval Academy of Taiwan. Two additional young Palauans are expected to attend the Academy in August this year. President Remengesau expressed his deep gratitude to the ROC for their partnership in this respect as well as efforts to maintain peace and security in the Asia-Pacific Region saying, “The Naval Academy of Taiwan provides our young Palauan men and women the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the nation’s marine enforcement and surveillance program as well as peace and security in the region.”
Following its arrival to Palau over the weekend, the Fleet opened up the Frigate Si-Ning, a La Fayette class patrol ship for public touring and for families to spend their time together in observation of Palau’s Year of the Family. Added to the public tour, the fleet comprising of 735 Navy officers, soldiers and cadets from the Naval Academy also organized a cultural exchange program consisting of a marching band, color guards and martial arts performance at the Palau National Gymnasium on May 8.
Sharing the excitement of families visiting the vessel during the open house tour of Frigate Si-Ning on May 7, Rear Admiral Cheng-kuo stated the performances during the cultural exchange program further strengthens the close relations shared between Palau and the ROC. He further thanked President Remengesau for his support of the goodwill visit.
Ambassador Tseng stated the Squadron has been very active during the duration of their visit and extends their appreciation to the People of Palau for their participation and attendance of programs.
The fleet departed Malakal Port for its next destination after the flag-hoisting ceremony held on May 9, 2017.
To download this press release, click on this link: Press Release_2017 ROC Friendship Fleet Courtesy Visit_08MAY2017_Final
