President Tsai meets Marshall Islands Nitijela Speaker Kenneth A. Kedi
On the afternoon of October 10, President Tsai Ing-wen met at the Presidential Office with a delegation led by Marshall Islands Nitijela (Parliament) Speaker Kenneth A. Kedi and Mrs. Kedi. In addition to thanking her visitors for coming to Taiwan to attend the National Day celebrations, the president also expressed hope that the two countries will continue to enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation.
In remarks, President Tsai noted that Mr. Kedi is the youngest parliamentary speaker ever in the Marshall Islands. He has achieved an outstanding record of success in his efforts for reform, and has also been a very good friend to Taiwan.
Pointing out that the Marshall Islands is Taiwan's important diplomatic ally, President Tsai mentioned that President Hilda C. Heine of the Marshall Islands spoke in support of Taiwan last month at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, calling upon UN members to support Taiwan's quest for substantive participation in conferences and other activities of UN specialized agencies. In addition, the Marshall Islands Nitijela, thanks in no small part to the efforts of Mr. Kedi, passed a resolution reiterating its commitment to lasting diplomatic relations with Taiwan and expressing support for Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and other important international bodies. On behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, the president sincerely thanked the Marshall Islands for its long-standing support and assistance for Taiwan.
President Tsai stated that diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands date back 18 years. The two countries have a lot of experience with cooperation in the spheres of education, economy, society, and quality-of-life issues. In particular, study abroad programs afford opportunities for students from Taiwan and the Marshall Islands to better understand the host country. This has the very positive effect of enhancing personal ties of friendship between the two countries.
President Tsai stressed that Taiwan will build on the existing foundation of bilateral cooperation by further assisting the Marshall Islands in its efforts to train human resources, improve the people's quality of life, and develop infrastructure. Strengthening this type of substantive cooperation, she said, is what it will take to truly act upon the spirit of mutually beneficial interaction.
President Tsai also mentioned that the Marshall Islands is a beautiful island country that she very much hopes to have a chance to see and experience first-hand. In closing, the president expressed a wish that the two countries would enjoy a lasting friendship and continued prosperity.