President Ma Ying-jeou bestowed the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon on José Luis Valera, President of the Republic of Panama's National Assembly, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to promoting interaction and cooperative relations between Taiwan and Panama.
The ceremony was held at the Presidential Building at 9:00 a.m. on December 15. Among those witnessing the ceremony and offering congratulations were Mrs. Valera, Panama National Assemblywoman Marilyn Vallarino and her husband, National Assemblyman Freidi Torres and Mrs. Torres, ROC National Security Council Secretary-General Su Chi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Timothy Chin-tien Yang.
In remarks after receiving the honor, National Assembly President Valera said that he is honored to receive this award from President Ma and hopes that relations between Taiwan and Panama will continue to strengthen in the future. Mr. Valera commented that while Panama is twice the size of Taiwan land-wise, Taiwan's population is seven times that of his nation. In addition, he remarked that Taiwan's economic development and per capita income are many times that of Panama. He said that he has seen with his own eyes how Taiwan has emerged from poverty and progressed along the road of economic prosperity.
National Assembly President Valera commented that in looking at bilateral relations, Taiwan has long strived to assist Panama in its development, ranging from the construction of roads and raising the living standards of the people of his nation, to engaging in the training of human resources and building hospitals. The government and people of Panama are deeply appreciative of this assistance, he said. In addition, he stated that many of the cooperative projects between the two countries, such as Taiwan's assistance to Panama in building a mass rapid transit system and the expansion of the Panama Canal, are infrastructure-oriented. Most important, he said, is that Panama wants to learn from Taiwan how to develop its economy and emerge from poverty.
National Assembly President Valera also remarked that Taiwan today has overcome many challenges, especially in the international community. He said that Panama has long been a staunch friend and ally to Taiwan in the international community. Panama supports the people of Taiwan, he said, adding that his nation believes that any political disputes can be settled under the framework of democracy and via peaceful methods. Lastly, he presented a work of art on behalf of the National Assembly created by indigenous people in Panama to the ROC, wishing peace and prosperity for the nation.
President Ma expressed his support for the work carried out by National Assembly President Valera. He said that the relationship between the two countries has spanned over 100 years, and the cooperation in the areas of economics and trade, social welfare and education have yielded impressive achievements. Panama has posted rapid economic growth in recent years, which is something the president said he is delighted to see. He also said he hopes the two nations will forge an even closer relationship in the future.
The president stated that he was pleased to be able to travel to Panama in July to attend the inauguration of Panama's president and deliver a speech before the National Assembly, discussing the valuable experiences in the development of bilateral relations. He said that his speech there marked an important milestone during that trip to Latin America.
President Ma also expressed his appreciation to Panama for its friendship and warmth to Taiwan. The president extended congratulations to Panama on a recent plan to complete construction of a mass rapid transit system within three years, saying that he expects this project to be a success. He also said he hopes Mr. and Mrs. Valera have a wonderful stay in Taiwan.