Secretariat, Taipei City Government

On March 10, Mayor Wan-An Chiang met with a delegation led by Guam Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero. The two discussed sister city exchanges, tourism development, and future cooperation. Mayor Chiang noted that more than half a century had passed since Taipei and Guam established a sister city relationship in 1973. The two cities have maintained close interactions in areas such as tourism, culture, and municipal exchanges. Mayor Chiang remarked humorously that this sister city friendship is “even older than me,” demonstrating the long-standing and deep friendship between the two cities.

Mayor Chiang noted that Guam has enthusiastically participated in several of Taipei’s major events, including the Taipei Lantern Festival. The Guam Visitors Bureau has for six consecutive years set up themed lantern displays at the festival featuring local cultural characteristics, allowing Taipei citizens to learn about Guam’s culture and charm through the event, for which Taipei expresses its sincere appreciation. Mayor Chiang also mentioned that Guam boasts magnificent ocean scenery and a rich Chamorro culture. Direct flights between Taipei and Guam were launched last April. The flights take less than 4 hours and make travel between the cities more convenient. Mayor Chiang expressed his hope for more people from Guam to visit Taipei. He wishes that both sides will continue to cooperate on tourism, cultural exchanges, and industrial initiatives.

Governor Leon Guerrero stated that her visit to Taiwan included meetings with several government agencies and old friends, and that she had enjoyed experiencing Taiwan’s warmth and friendship. She highlighted that among Guam’s four Taiwanese sister cities, the relationship with Taipei is the oldest and strongest. She indicated a desire to continue promoting personnel exchanges and to deepen cooperation in education and medical referrals.

Governor Leon Guerrero shared that Guam is actively developing hydroponic agriculture and aquaculture while exploring semiconductor industry opportunities to attract Taiwanese investment. She also informed the shared Austronesian heritage between Guam and Taiwan; after visiting Kaohsiung and Sun Moon Lake, she articulated a deeper appreciation of the cultural ties and Indigenous connections they share.

Governor Leon Guerrero invited Mayor Chiang to visit Guam in June and participate in the Ko’ko’ Road Race and the Guam Micronesia Island Fair, where he could experience Guam’s diverse culture and tourism.

Both parties exchanged views on the future of their respective cities. Mayor Chiang stated that Taipei is actively promoting AI development with the goal of becoming one of the world’s top 10 AI cities by 2035. Governor Leon Guerrero offered her support for this vision, stating that although global society has mixed feelings about AI, Guam encourages students to view it as a resource for learning and work rather than a replacement for human thought. This approach, she explained, aims to help the next generation effectively master technology.

To conclude the meeting, Mayor Chiang presented Governor Leon Guerrero with a Taipei 101 wooden music box as a symbolic welcoming gesture and keepsake. Governor Leon Guerrero gifted local souvenirs from Guam and reiterated her invitation for the mayor to visit Guam soon.