President Lee Teng-hui received at the Presidential Office today a Distinguished International Leadership Award from Dr. Mary Sue Coleman, president of the University of Iowa. Besides expressing his appreciation to the university for awarding him this honor, President Lee said at the ceremony that this credit should belong to all the people of the Republic of China, and that he received it on their behalf.
President Lee went to the United States in 1951, for advanced studies in agricultural economics at Iowa State University. Fourteen years later, in 1965, he traveled to that country again to pursue his doctoral degree in the same academic field at Cornell University.
The President recalled that with the differences in his age and in the times, what he had acquired and experienced from these two sojourns in the United States varied accordingly. Yet, both experiences left him with deep impressions and unforgettable memories, the President said. He had fond recollections of the unique heritage, culture and landscape of the State of Iowa, he added.
The President said that in addition to gaining academic knowledge, he had the opportunity to learn about the democratic system of the United States when studying in that country. His understanding of U.S. democracy had laid the foundation for his belief in democracy, and profoundly influenced his later dedication to political reforms for the realization of "popular sovereignty" in the Republic of China, he said.
The ceremony took place in this afternoon. Among the dignitaries attending the occasion were Mrs. Lee Teng-hui, Speaker of the National Assembly, Presidents of the five Yuans and several ministers. Earlier today, President Lee had a brief conversation with President Coleman and other distinguished guests. He hosted a dinner at the Taipei Guest House after the ceremony in honor of President Coleman and other members of her delegation.
The contents of President Lee's address at the ceremony also include:
I am exceedingly honored today to receive this Distinguished International Leadership Award conferred by President Mary Sue Coleman of University of Iowa. My wife and I wish to take this opportunity to express our heartiest appreciation.
Iowa has long maintained close relations with the Republic of China. It established a sisterhood with Taiwan Province of this country in 1989. Its Senate and House of Representatives adopted a resolution in 1995, respectively, to support the ROC's participation in the United Nations; and in March 1996, its Senate and House of Representatives passed another resolution to voice their concern over the security in the Taiwan Strait. The government and people of the Republic of China are greatly appreciative of the cordial friendship that Iowa has shown toward this country.
I studied agricultural economics in Iowa 46 years ago, and have always borne special affection for Iowa. With its long history and remarkable academic achievements, University of Iowa is a renowned public university in the United States and has cultivated numerous talented students. The university also has established academic collaborations with the ROC's National Taiwan University, National Taiwan Normal University and National Yang Ming University. Your world-renowned International Writing Program has affected profoundly our cultural development as many of our writers have participated in this program.
I have committed myself to promoting democracy since my assumption of the ROC presidency in January 1988. After four constitutional reforms, we have finally materialized the ideal of "popular sovereignty," and have joined the ranks of democracies in the world. At this time when the 20th century is drawing to a close, we find the notion of "shared values for the global village" taking shape. It embodies the value of life, respect for human rights, and the regard for freedom and democracy; it opposes authoritarianism, violence, aggression and destruction; and it advocates the concept of "a global family" which encompasses peaceful co-existence, mutual assistance and joint prosperity. All our people firmly believe in, vigorously pursue and wholeheartedly commit to these ideals. Today, we are contributing to the world community with our achievements in economic development and experience in political reform to enhance peace, cooperation and prosperity for all humanity. Although the Republic of China is currently not a U.N. member and suffers from various restraints in its foreign relations, we are confident, however, that the ROC's economic strength and democratic accomplishment will be of great advantage to peaceful development in the world community. We also believe that the world will face up to the reality of the ROC's existence and development and will accord us reasonable treatment and respect, so that we can make greater contribution to the world.
The honor I receive today from the University of Iowa should belong to all the citizens of the Republic of China; I accept it on their behalf. Again, many thanks to the University of Iowa and President Coleman for this kind gesture. I wish your university great success and each of you good health and happiness. Thank you.