President Chen Shui-bian bestowed the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon upon American Institute in Taiwan Director Douglas H. Paal to honor his contribution to the advancement of the Taiwan-US relationship.
The citation said, "The American Institute in Taiwan Director Douglas H. Paal has had exemplary performance as an envoy. He is a highly capable individual and has an extensive amount of knowledge. For many years he has advanced the friendly and cooperative relationship between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the United States of America, earning the admiration of the government and the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan). According to Article 8 of the law governing the presentation of awards, the president makes it known that he grants upon Director Douglas H. Paal this medal in honor of his exemplary contribution."
In his speech, Paal first thanked the President for granting him the honor and wished all to go smoothly as Taiwan and her people face the challenges of the future. He said that after three and a half years he is about to leave the American Institute in Taiwan and Taiwan. In this time, a number of major events have transpired during which the President has given him timely avenues for communication and shown his concern. He said he would like to take this time to thank the President for his gracious friendship and his understanding of the relationship between Taiwan and the US.
Director Paal said that the President has not slacked off to protect the interests of the American people in Taiwan. He said he would particularly like to thank the President for the close cooperation he has had with high-level officials and the Executive Yuan leadership that had produced record results in many areas in the way of ventures in law enforcement, business, technology, and international security. He said that he believes these areas of cooperation will continue to benefit the people of both nations.
Director Paal said that as the US representative to Taiwan, he has had the opportunity to make acquaintance with many people from every walk of life, including businesspeople, scholars, and athletes who have become good friends with him. He said that he was deeply moved to be able to receive the medal in the presence of so many accomplished citizens and entrepreneurs.
Director Paal added that while posted in Taiwan, his most important responsibility has been to maintain peace with Taiwan with friendly policies. Over the years in public service, he said he has upheld the policies of five presidents from both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. In addition, he said he has tried to reconstruct the American Institute in Taiwan to be more modern, whether it be in its internal matters or in its interaction with the Taiwanese people. He emphasized that the terrorist attacks on the United States have forced new immigration regulations, but that the number of tourists and students going to the Unites States from Taiwan has returned to its pre-911 number. Nevertheless, much work still needs to be done, especially the relocation of the American Institute in Taiwan offices. He said he deeply believes that his successor will successfully complete this task.