Fiji, Nov. 20 -- Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has hailed Tuvalu as one of Taiwan's strongest supporters on the global stage, using a state banquet in Taipei to praise deepening cooperation and a series of new agreements that he says "lay a formidable foundation" for the two nations' partnership.

Hosting Prime Minister Feleti Teo and his wife at a luncheon on Tuesday, President Lai said Tuvalu's backing has been decisive in ensuring Taiwan's voice is heard internationally.

"On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to especially thank Tuvalu for taking concrete action at various international venues in staunch defence of Taiwan's right to international participation," Lai said.

He highlighted Prime Minister Teo's support at the P...