Taipei- Tuvalu Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia arrived in Taiwan Saturday for a five-day visit to further cement ties with the island. "Prime Minister Ielemia's visit will help promote further cooperation and understanding between our two countries," said Henry Chen, spokesman of Taiwan's Foreign Ministry.

Chen said while in Taiwan, Ielemia will meet with President Ma Ying-jeou, Premier Liu Chao-shiuan and Foreign Minister Francisco Ou and exchange with them issues of mutual concerns and cooperation.

It is Ielemai's sixth trip to Taiwan and his ongoing visit also marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year between Taiwan and Tuvalu, which is one of the 23 nations that establish formal relations with Taipei instead of Beijing.

Tuvalu, which has population of just 11,000 people, is a Polynesian nation located in the Pacific Ocean. (dpa)