Focus Taiwan
Date: 2019/09/28
By: Stacy Hsu and Frances Huang

Washington, Sept. 27 (CNA) U.S. State Secretary Mike Pompeo on Friday encouraged to Tuvalu to

work with Taiwan to push for democracy in the Pacific region as international media reported recently that the selection of a new prime minister in the South Pacific country could complicate its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan.

Pompeo mentioned the cooperation between Tuvalu and Taiwan in a statement, saying the United States has been a friend of Tuvalu since the South Pacific country's independence in 1978, and the close ties have extended back to earlier generations.

"We welcome your commitment to advancing our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region with other democracies in the Pacific region including Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Japan," Pompeo said.

The statement came before Pompeo was scheduled to attend a celebration ceremony planned by Tuvalu for the 41st anniversary of its independence next month.    [FULL  STORY]