By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

President Remengesau returned to Palau after his second state visit in Taiwan.
According to Radio Taiwan International the state visit of the president concluded with a banquet hosted for him in Kaohsiung.
The Radio Taiwan International said that during the banquet the president vowed that Palau’s ties with Taiwan would not change while he is in office.
Remengesau’s term will end on 2008.
He however said, based on the article that despite a change in leadership next year, the diplomatic relationship of both countries remains.
President Chen Shui-bian meanwhile thanked Palau for their support for Taiwan’s bid to become a member of the United Nations and World Health Organization .
Chen said Palau is a known diving destination to Taiwanese tourists and that Taiwan has been the top source of tourism for Palau for the past three years, the article said.
Earlier, Remengesau said the visit will cover discussion on different areas that will be mutually beneficial for Palau and Taiwan.
He said the visit was on the invitation of Taiwan President Chen Shui Bian and accompanying the Palau president is First Lady Debbie Remengesau, State Minister Temmy Shmull , traditional chiefs and governors. The president is bringing to Taiwan an 8-man delegation which includes him.
He added that the visit will also be an opportunity to follow up on previous discussion regarding assistance sought by Palau in the areas of infrastructure, health and environment.
Palau is among the six countries in the Pacific nation which have a formal diplomatic relationship with Taiwan.
The other countries include Republic of Marshall Islands, Nauru, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands and Kiribati.