Taipei -  Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou vowed Monday to extend aid for Palau, saying changes in their governments would not affect the close relationship between the two island states.

"Although Palau and Taiwan both experienced a change of leadership last year, in a democracy, government policies enjoy a continuity that extends the trust placed in and promises made to its allies," said Ma in a meeting with his counterpart, Johnson Toribiong, who was visiting Taipei.

His comment came after some local news media reported that Palau might ask for new aid from Taiwan.

Ma was elected president in March. Toribiong, who served as Palau's ambassador to Taiwan from 2001 to 2008, was elected president of Palau in November.

"Looking forward, the Republic of China will expand its cooperation with Palau under the existing basis," Ma said, without giving any monetary figures.

Taiwan has participated in a series of construction and development projects - including in the agriculture, health and tourism sectors - in Palau since the two sides established formal relations in 1999.

Toribiong arrived in Taiwan Sunday for a six-day visit. It was his first state visit since taking office in January. On Monday, he was given full military honors at a welcoming ceremony in Taipei that included a 21-gun salute.

On Sunday, Toribiong declined to comment on Taiwanese media reports that former president Chen Shui-bian had taken 5 million US dollars in alleged embezzled funds during his state visit to Palau in 2006 for purposes of money laundering.

Palau is one of the 23 small nations that recognize Taiwan diplomatically. (dpa)