Since stepping out of the plane, I have been awestruck by the island's beauty and magnificent landscape, the thriving development of your public works, and the hospitality and friendliness of your people. Already I have deeply fallen in love with this charming country.
The name "Tuvalu" means eight islands that stand together. It symbolizes the commendable and traditional spirit of your great nation, which is best characterized by the words "solidarity" and "peace." These also represent the ideals and goals of the people and government of Taiwan, as well as the principles Taiwan follows when facing challenges in domestic and international affairs, including cross-strait relations.
Tuvalu and Taiwan share a spirit of solidarity and peace as well as the universal values of freedom, human rights, and democracy. Based on these common principles, our two countries have cooperated for the past 20 years in many fields. These include the economy, education, medical services, agricultural technology, fisheries, infrastructure projects, basic facilities and services, as well as rural community development. I have just visited the central government office building and the demonstration farm by our technical mission, and have met with volunteers from Taiwan as well. We are moved by the fruits of cooperation between our two nations and feel confident that future cooperation and development can make even greater progress.
I believe that much room exists for improvement in future cooperation efforts, especially in the area of medical health. For instance, joint-research can be conducted on the health issues that Taiwan's Austronesian aborigines have in common with the people of Tuvalu. From this, a comprehensive databank can be built to benefit all Austronesian peoples. I would like to reiterate that it would be a pleasure and honor for Taiwan to continue working with Tuvalu and contribute to the development of your great nation. We can become each other's best partner for cooperation in sustainable development.
Promoting democracy and peace has always been Taiwan's policy. Although the path toward democratization has been difficult and full of challenges, we have been very proud and satisfied with the results of our efforts. The people of Taiwan have earned significant democratic achievements step by step through peaceful means. These include Taiwan's end of martial law in 1987, as well as its first direct presidential election in 1996, first alternation of governing party in 2000, and first national referendum in 2004. Meanwhile, Taiwan's constitution has undergone several key revisions. In recent years, I have also dedicated myself to improving solidarity among the ruling party, opposition parties, and political factions through reconciliation and dialogue. This way we may pursue the best welfare for the people of Taiwan and safeguard our treasured democracy, human rights, and homeland.
On the other side of the Taiwan Strait, the People's Republic of China has deployed 725 missiles along its southeast coast in order to intimidate the people of Taiwan. China constantly hinders the participation of the people of Taiwan in the international community, no matter the setting. Beijing even passed its so-called "Anti-Separation Law" on March 14 this year. It unilaterally changed the peaceful status quo in the Strait and attempted to create a legal basis for adopting force against Taiwan. Nevertheless, for the past four years, I have expressed sincerity and goodwill to China in hopes of promoting the normalization of cross-strait relations. In addition, Taiwan is actively seeking the resumption of consultation and dialogue with China, and promoting the establishment of a peaceful and stable mechanism for cross-strait interaction. We hope to ensure peace and development in the Taiwan Strait. The peoples on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share this goal. It is in the interest of all Pacific nations and the common expectation shared by the international community.
The staunch support of democratic Taiwan and concern over cross-strait security by your great nation and our other allies over the years have been conducive to peace and stability in the Pacific region. I would like to take this opportunity to express our most sincere appreciation to Tuvalu for firmly supporting us in our efforts to join international organizations, such as the United Nations, World Health Organization, and South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO). I would also like to thank the Tuvalu government for issuing a statement on March 18, condemning the PRC on its adoption of its so-called "Anti-Separation Law." I sincerely hope that your great nation will continue to support Taiwan's efforts to play a constructive role in the international community.
Under the wise leadership of His Excellency Prime Minister Toafa and the collaborative efforts of the people of Tuvalu, your great nation has made remarkable progress in many areas. Tuvalu enjoys political stability as well as steady development and progress in economy and agriculture.
Prime Minister Toafa and I have exchanged our views and shared many of our thoughts today and I feel that we are already like old friends, chattering away. Prime Minister and Madame Toafa are scheduled to lead a delegation to Taiwan from May 21 to May 28. I will definitely do my best to be a good host and return the warmth and hospitality he has extended to me. Also, since the Honorable Governor General Telito took office, he and Madame Telito have not had the chance to visit my country. I would like to take this opportunity to invite them to visit Taiwan to experience our free society, prosperous economy, and friendly people.
In closing, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Prime Minister and Madame Toafa, for the hospitality accorded to the delegation and myself, including this abundant state banquet. On behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, I would like to propose a toast for the prosperity of your great nation; the well-being of His Excellency Governor General Telito, and His Excellency Prime Minister Toata; the health and happiness of the Honorable Ministers, Members of the Parliament, and all distinguished guests! Thank you very much! Manuia! [END]