Secretariat, Taipei City Government

On the afternoon of March 19, 2025, Mayor Ladie N. Jack of Majuro City—the capital of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and a sister city of Taipei—paid an official visit to Taipei City Hall. He was accompanied by his spouse, city councilors, and Ambassador Anjanette Kattil, the Marshall Islands’ Ambassador to Taiwan. During the meeting, the two parties engaged in meaningful dialogue on indigenous affairs and technological sustainability.

Mayor Wan-An Chiang began by warmly welcoming Mayor Jack and his delegation on their return visit to Taiwan. He noted that Taipei and Majuro had established their sister-city relationship in 1999 and that the 26-year-long friendship is deeply cherished by both cities. Mayor Chiang expressed particular appreciation for Mayor Jack’s consistent support of Taipei’s international events, highlighting his participation in the 2017 Summer Universiade, the 2023 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Taipei, and the 2025 Smart City Summit & Expo. Mayor Jack’s presence at these events has added distinction and visibility to Taipei’s international engagements.

Mayor Chiang further reflected on the close cooperation between the two cities. He recalled that Taipei’s Department of Environmental Protection donated a large garbage compactor truck to Majuro City in both 2013 and again in 2021 to assist with that city’s waste management and environmental cleanliness efforts. He also emphasized the cultural connection between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands, noting that both nations’ indigenous peoples have languages belonging to the Austronesian language family. Taipei places strong emphasis on promoting indigenous rights and cultural heritage, as exemplified by the city’s establishment of the Indigenous Peoples Commission and its pioneering role in launching the nationwide “August 1 Indigenous Peoples Week” initiative. Mayor Chiang also extended an invitation to Mayor Jack and his delegation to return in May 2025, when Taipei and New Taipei City will co-host the World Masters Games, and expressed hope for their continued participation and collaboration.

In his remarks, Mayor Jack expressed his sincere gratitude on behalf of the citizens of Majuro for Mayor Chiang’s warm welcome and hospitality. He noted that the delegation had gained valuable insights from the Smart City Summit & Expo in Taipei, which has served as a strong source of inspiration for Majuro’s future development and innovation efforts. He also extended an invitation to Mayor Chiang to visit Majuro City at his convenience to further strengthen the cities’ collaboration.

Majuro City Councilors Betty Imaikta and Darrel Malachi also responded to Mayor Chiang by praising Taipei as a beautiful city with warm and hospitable people and commended the city’s diverse and delicious cuisine. They expressed their hope for future opportunities to visit Taipei. The meeting concluded in a cordial atmosphere with a mutual exchange of gifts and group photographs.

On the evening of March 20, Deputy Mayor Wen-Te Chang hosted a banquet on behalf of Mayor Chiang to welcome Mayor Jack and his delegation. The two parties continued discussions on enhancing the cooperation in various fields between Taipei and Majuro. Mayor Jack reiterated his appreciation for the genuine hospitality and thoughtful reception extended by the Taipei City Government, stating that each of his visits had been rewarding. He also expressed hope that the Taipei City Government would organize a return delegation to the Marshall Islands in the near future so that Majuro might reciprocate and offer warm hospitality in kind. The banquet lasted approximately two hours, unfolding in a warm and joyful atmosphere.