President Chen Shui-bian received representatives of the Taiwanese Hakka Association of the World this morning and expressed his appreciation of the organization's attempt to joining non-governmental organizations associated with the United Nations this year. The president hailed the endeavor as one of the best examples for Taiwan as it seeks to combine localization and internationalization. He also praised the association's achievements in establishing Hakka language schools worldwide and in spreading the Hakka culture, calling them good examples for Taiwan to reach out to the world and are the best way to put Taiwan's people-to-people diplomacy into realization.
Excerpts from the president's remarks:
I am very pleased to be able to meet our Hakka compatriots today from all over the world in the Presidential Office. First of all, I want to take this opportunity to greet everyone here and extend my greatest respect and gratitude to all of you.
You have made contribution to our society which has been widely recognized after your organization was founded in Taiwan with members from home and abroad. The "joint declaration" that you had made with regard to the preservation of Hakka culture in your last annual meeting has been incorporated to become the government's policy. And people all over Taiwan have seen your efforts in 2004 when you gathered in front of the Legislature demanding the passage of the budget of the Council for Hakka Affairs, the Executive Yuan. These, however, are only a few of the successful stories of you making the best use of the resources you've had domestically as well as internationally. And your contributions behind these successes will be well remembered.
Though all of you have long been living abroad, your love and care about this land is never forgotten. Through the annual gathering this time, you get to come home and meet with your families and friends. Although I speak only a little bit of Hakka, I have been well aware of the importance of Taiwan's Hakka heritage. It was when I served as the mayor of Taipei that the Taipei City Hakka Cultural House was built. And over the past five years after I was elected as president, the Cabinet's Council for Hakka Affairs and Hakka Studies in the colleges were established. The Hakka TV station has begun its broadcasting since then. Activities such as the Hakka Culture Festival and the yearly celebration of the blossom of the Tung Flower have also been held. And the Hakka martyrs fighting rebels in the Ching Dynasty are now remembered with their own memorial day. These have helped the Hakka people in Taiwan to restore their pride and have also demonstrated the government's determination in preserving the Hakka culture. And I am especially touched by you and your association that have supported Taiwan with your every ability from every corner of the world.
Our ancestors, including the Hakkas, came across the sea, risking all they had to settle on this land 400 years ago so that we can enjoy the rich and beautiful island as the sons and daughters of Taiwan and as the children of Hakka. And your passion and devotion to the land will surely help Taiwan keep thriving in the world. Finally, I wish the Taiwanese Hakka Association of the World a great success, and health and happiness to everyone here.