Republic of China Vice President Lien Chan and President Imata Kabua of the Republic of the Marshall Islands reiterated in Taipei today: "Looking ahead to the 21st century, the ROC and the Marshall Islands will face both formidable challenges and good opportunities. If the two countries can capitalize on their common political ideals and free economic system, and assist and cooperate with each other, not only will this development benefit them, but it will also serve the overall interest of their regions."
On behalf of President and Madam Lee Teng-hui, Vice President and Mrs. Lien hosted a state banquet in honor of visiting President and Madam Kabua and their delegation this evening at the Presidential Office. Those also present included ROC National Assembly Speaker Su Nan-cheng, Premier Vincent Siew, Presidents of the Legislative Yuan, the Judicial Yuan, the Examination Yuan and the Control Yuan, other senior ROC officials and the diplomatic corps to the ROC.
In his speech during the banquet, Vice President Lien extended, on behalf of President and Madam Lee and the ROC government and people, the warmest welcome to President and Madam Kabua and their delegation.
Vice President Lien stated that the Republic of the Marshall Islands is blessed with abundance in natural resources, especially in the areas of tourism and fisheries. With her vital strategic location, the Marshall Islands has played a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the South Pacific region. Under President Kabua's wise leadership, it has achieved remarkably in both political and economic spheres in recent years and has won worldwide acclaim, he said.
The Vice President commended Madam Kabua as an accomplished lady in her own right. He said that Madam Kabua has contributed significantly to improving the well-being of her people and has earned their high respect.
Vice President Lien asserted that both of the two countries are located in the Pacific region and uphold the common ideals and purposes of promoting international justice and peace as well as the well-being of their peoples. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries last November, their cooperation has grown increasingly close, and the visit by President Kabua will help strengthen their mutual understanding and trust and lay a solid foundation for their friendship, he maintained. Currently the ROC government is planning to dispatch an agricultural technical mission to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and will encourage its private sector to make investments there, so as to further enhance their cooperation and friendship, Vice President Lien said. He expressed his every confidence that through their mutual efforts, the economic cooperation between the two countries will grow closer and more extensive.
Looking ahead to the 21st century, the ROC and the Marshall Islands will face both formidable challenges and good opportunities. Vice President Lien reiterated that if the two countries can capitalize on their common political ideals and free economic systems, and assist and cooperate with each other, not only will this development benefit them, but it will also serve the overall interest of their regions.
Vice President Lien said he believes that with President Kabua's continued staunch support, the friendship between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of China will grow even closer.
President Kabua expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to his delegation by President Lee, Vice President and Mrs. Lien and the ROC government, as well as for the assistance provided to his country by the government and people of the ROC.
President Kabua said that this is his first visit to the ROC, and that he is deeply impressed with its progress and development. In particular, the ROC has been only slightly affected by the Asian financial crisis, which has resulted in a global economic downturn, an accomplishment that can serve as a model for other developing countries, he said. The Republic of the Marshall Islands is most willing to cooperate with the ROC in strengthening mutual ties and promoting the well-being of the two peoples, he added.
Following their speeches, Vice President Lien and President Kabua invited all other guests to join them in a toast to the continued prosperity of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of China and to the ever-lasting friendship between the two countries.