The venue of tonight's banquet, the Long Island Hotel, was built and is operated by Mr. Almond Chien, while the Long Island Restaurant is managed by Mrs. Fu-hui Huang Su., Mr. Chien and Mrs. Huang are from Taiwan and both are excellent examples of how Taiwan's businesspeople contribute to the economic development of the Marshall Islands. In meeting with representatives of our overseas compatriots here, I was able to learn more about their role in such development situations, especially about how they have fared under the friendly and attentive care of the people and government of the Marshall Islands. I believe that, in the future as relations between the Marshall Islands and Taiwan grow increasingly close, more Taiwan people will come here for investment and exchanges.
As we say in Taiwan: "The world is like a community; friends are everywhere." This is to say that, if people share the same ideals and beliefs, then, even though they may be separated by thousands of miles, they are still just as close as neighbors. This is the perfect description of the friendship between President Note and I, and of the relationship between the Marshall Islands and Taiwan. Over the years, our two peoples have struggled for national sovereignty and dignity, and to ensure the sustainable development of our countries and the well-being of our peoples. These similarities in our historical backgrounds have strengthened the beliefs and ideals of our people, and bind us closely together. I hope that, in the future, through more mutual visits our cordial relations and cooperation will become ever better.
I was very honored to attend, along with President Note, the ceremony for naming and blessing the Tai-Mar canoe this afternoon. I received this most precious gift from President Note himself and, in return, presented President Note with a traditional canoe from the Tao indigenous people of Taiwan's Orchid Island. Although these two vessels are very different in shape, they signal that the Marshall Islands and Taiwan are both Pacific island countries, and that the Pacific Ocean has enabled us to develop a special friendship that keeps us close together. Furthermore, these two canoes also symbolize that our ancestors took great risks and overcame many hardships to travel across the ocean, and manifest their fearless spirit in pursuing free and independent lives. After returning home, I will put the Tai-Mar canoe on display so that the people of Taiwan can witness the longstanding and sincere friendship between our two countries.
Of course, today's most exciting experience was sailing aboard a canoe through Majuro Lagoon with President Note, and feeling in person the immeasurable joy and excitement of embracing the sea as a son of the ocean. The feeling is uncanny and can only be felt by sailing out personally. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank President and Madame Note for thoughtfully arranging this program, which has left me with a most precious and unforgettable memory.
I could continue to express my deep gratitude, but will instead simply say that I look forward to seeing you all again very soon. Indeed, I would like to cordially invite President and Madame Note, and all distinguished guests, to visit Taiwan so that our fraternal ties can be further enhanced and the hearts of our peoples can be brought closer together.
In closing, I would like to invite all distinguished guests to join me in a toast to the good health of President and Madame Note;
to the prosperity of the Republic of the Marshall Islands;
to the everlasting friendship of Taiwan and the Marshall Islands;
and to the good health and success of all distinguished guests.
Thank you. Komotata. [END]