The president said that the Organization of American States is one of the most important international political organizations in the west hemisphere and America. One third of its members are the most faithful diplomatic allies of Taiwan. Taiwan has long desired to take part in activities relevant to American countries and responses from them turned out to be positive in recent years.
For example, Taiwan provided help to a reconstruction plan in 1998 in the wake of the Hurricane Mitch attack and sponsored the organization's peace fund. In 2003, Taiwan had signed an agreement with the Organization of American States to train young businessmen. The assistance fund had also increased from US$70,000 in 2003 to US$200,000 this year. The president hopes that there could be a Taiwan Fund in the Organization of American States so that the 23 million Taiwanese people could also participate in activities of that organization.
The president also expressed his hope over the possibility that Taiwan could become an observer country in the Organization of American States. He said that China became an observer country in the organization last month. Taiwan has made a request to the permanent council of the organization on May 12 this year, but it has yet on its agenda. The president hopes that Taiwan could be treated equally and become one of the observers of the organization so that the island could also serve as a responsible member of the international community.
Her Excellency Mrs. Lisa M. Shoman, the Belize Ambassador to the Organization of American States and the United States, expressed her warm and sincere gratitude in the name of the delegation for the hospitality that was offered to them. She said that the Republic of China has long been closely cooperating with the countries in the Caribbeans, Central and South America. The ties between the ROC and these countries are ever strong. The Organization of American States also shares common universal values with Taiwan, such as democracy, peace and human rights. She is optimistic and believes that Taiwan will be admitted to the Organization of American States in the near future because the member states have a positive attitude towards the Republic of China.