Remarks of H. E. President Chen Shui-bian at the Military Salut
Ceremony in Honor of H. E. President Kessai H. Note of the
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Your Excellency President Note, Madame Note, distinguished members of the Republic of Marshall Islands delegation, honorable members of the diplomatic corps, dear colleagues, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: Good morning!
Today marks the fourth time that my dear and honorable brother His Excellency President Note leads his distinguished delegation to visit Taiwan. First of all, on behalf of the government and the 23 million people of Taiwan, I would like to express our warmest welcome to and highest respect for President Note and all members of his delegation.
Since His Excellency took office six years ago, President Note has made remarkable contributions to the strengthening of relations between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands. Therefore, after diplomatic relations between the Marshall Islands and Taiwan were established in November 1998, bilateral ties have been developing steadily on all fronts, laying a solid foundation for both nations to carry out various kinds of cooperative projects.
President Note and the government of the Marshall Islands under his leadership have been staunch friends of Taiwan in the international community. His Excellency has spoken for Taiwan on many international occasions and spared no efforts in helping Taiwan expand opportunities to participate in the international society.
As the saying goes, "the virtuous never lack good friends." Taiwan has always upheld the universal values of democracy and freedom. As President Note and we in Taiwan share a common belief in these universal values, His Excellency has committed himself to helping us overcome difficulties that we face in the international community. On behalf of the government and the people of Taiwan, I would like to take this opportunity to once again express our heartfelt appreciation for what President Note has done for us.
My state visit to the Marshall Islands last May made me the first president of Taiwan to visit the beautiful country. Today, I am truly delighted to see President Note and Madame Note visit Taiwan again at my invitation. During His Excellency's stay in Formosa, our beautiful island, President Note and I will exchange opinions on current international affairs, regional issues and matters of common concern.
Tomorrow, I will have the honor to accompany President Note and Madame Note on their visit to some fishery facilities and cultural sites in southern Taiwan, where they will be experiencing the warmth and hospitality of our people living in the south. I believe that His Excellency's visit this time will further enhance the close cooperation between our two countries and open a new chapter in our relationship.
In closing, I would like to wish President Note, Madame Note and all distinguished members of your delegation a pleasant trip to Taiwan. I would also like to wish President Note good health and your beautiful country lasting prosperity. Thank you!