Taiwan’s President Ching-te Lai was greeted by Governor Lou Leon Guerrero at the AB Won Pat International Airport Tuesday night.

Lai flew in overnight on a private jet from Tuvalu.

The two island leaders quickly bonding over their common medical background.

This warm welcome set the tone for the rest of his brief visit. 

The following morning, Lai visited Leon Guerrero at the Government House.  

“Our combined efforts will undoubtedly yield benefits that resonate far beyond our shores. Today is not just a celebration of what we have achieved together, but a reaffirmation to our commitment to a shared future,” said Leon Guerrero. 

“In the face of authoritarian exceptionism, all like-minded countries and areas must unite and collaborate to safeguard democracy, peace and prosperity in the Indo-pacific region,” added Taiwan President Ching-te Lai. 

The duo shared their commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation through tourism, education, healthcare, aquaculture, hydroculture, construction engineering and alternative energy. 

“Guam and Taiwan are both situated in the first island chain. Moving forward, we must work closer together and stand side by side to safeguard and maintain recent stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Lai. 

Leon Guerrero presented Lai with a stained glass plaque in the shape of a latte stone and her official challenge coin. 

In turn, Lai was given a painting of a carabao. 

The warm Hafa Adai greeting doesn’t end here. After breakfast, President Lai made his way to the Guam Congress building where senators extended their welcome.

“We are honored on the behalf of the people of Guam to present Resolution no. 601-37 relative to welcoming President Lai Ching-Te, 16th President of the Republic of China (Taiwan). And extending  appreciation for Taiwan’s significant contributions to Guam’s economy and community,” said Speaker Therese Terlaje. 

Terlaje gifted a latte carved from ifit wood as a symbol of fortitude with the Guam seal and the Taiwan flag to mark the occasion. 

Lai invited senators to Taiwan. 

“With the COVID-19 behind us, direct flights between Taiwan and Guam began to resume last week. I want to take this opportunity to invite all senators to visit Taiwan in addition to allowing you to experience the hospitality of the Taiwanese people,” said Lai.    

The President’s short visit is part of a Pacific tour to strengthen diplomatic ties with the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and his last stop Palau. 

His sensitive layovers to Hawaii and Guam drew Beijing's scrutiny amid increasing military pressure. 

Taiwan's government did not allow any questions from the media.