Lai Promises Loan to Marshall Islands for Aircraft Procurement.

Majuro: President Lai Ching-te announced on Tuesday that Taiwan will extend a preferential loan to Air Marshall Islands. This financial support aims to assist the Pacific nation-owned airline in acquiring new aircraft to enhance its local air services. The announcement was made during Lai's 20-minute address at the Marshallese Legislature, attended by President Hilda Heine, Legislative Speaker Brenson Wase, and other top officials of the archipelago. According to Focus Taiwan, while the specifics of the loan were not disclosed, the announcement was met with applause, indicating the significance of the commitment for the Marshall Islands. President Lai also expressed his desire to continue collaborating with the Marshall Islands to tackle challenges such as climate change. He highlighted Taiwan's ongoing contributions to various projects in the region, emphasizing initiatives in horticulture, animal husbandry, nutrition, and infrastructure development, including a newly inaugurated medical facility and a plan ned government building. Lai acknowledged the support provided by the Marshallese government for Taiwan's international participation, underscoring the strong bilateral ties. During his visit, Lai attended a ribbon-cutting event for the Majuro Hospital AI and Telemedicine Center, commending the facility for its role in advancing local healthcare. The president's visit to Majuro is part of a broader tour of Taiwan's Pacific allies, which includes stops in Tuvalu and Palau. After concluding his engagements in the Marshall Islands, Lai will proceed to Tuvalu before heading to Guam and then Palau. During a dinner hosted by President Heine, Lai expressed optimism about increasing the funding for the "ROC (Taiwan)-RMI Presidents' Scholarship" program to US$1.5 million, aiming to foster talent development in the region.