Marshall Islands Capital Prepares for Taiwan President's Visit

The entire town of Majuro is abuzz, even though it is only Thursday, in preparation for Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian's visit early next week. The Marshall Islands' capital is being cleaned-up and painted from Rita to Laura--one end of the atoll to the other. Taiwanese and Marshallese flags are being flown everywhere in preparation for President Chen's visit on Sunday, May 1, 2005.

The RMI band has been practicing in front of the Capital Building, welcome signs have been posted throughout the town, and dignitaries have begun to arrive for the 26th National "Constitution Day" of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Taiwan President's two-day visit. Local businesses, such as Jane's Corporation, are getting ready for a small Taiwanese trade show scheduled for May 1-3 to coincide with President Shen Shui-bian's visit. The Marshall Islands Resort, which will house the President and his entourage, reports 100% booking for this same time.

President Chen's Itinerary Announced

According to the ROC Presidential Office, President Chen Shui-bian will depart Taipei at 5 a.m. Sunday, May 1. The chartered China Airlines Boeing 737, carrying about 100 persons, including staff, security personnel and over 40 reporters, will make a refueling stop at Guam before arriving at the Marshall Island at 6 p.m. local time.

Two ROC Lafayette-class frigates, with 300 officers and enlisted soldiers, will arrive in the Marshalls on April 30 to take part in the Pacific island nation's May 1-2 National Day celebrations at the invitation of RMI President Kessai Note, reported a Taiwan Navy release. The two presidents are scheduled to breakfast aboard one of the Navy frigates on Monday.

In honor of President Chen's visit, The RMI government will host a state dinner and a special session of the Nitijela, the Marshalls' parliament.

President Chen will depart May 3 for the Republic of Kiribati and Tuvaulu. The delegation will return to Taiwan on May 5, said the ROC Presidential Deputy Secretary.

This is the second trip this year to Pacific Allies for the Taiwanese President. RMI President Note made two state visits to Taiwan last year.

--Aenet Rowa (with Jack Niedenthal reporting)

VIEW photos, provided by Jack Niedenthal, of preparation in Majuro:
New Album - Taiwan President's Visit to Marshall Islands