Your Excellencies--President Remengesau, President Note, President Tong, President Scotty, Prime Minister Sogavare, and Prime Minister Ielemia; Honorable Pacific Islands Forum Deputy Secretary General Forau; Honorable Ministers and Ambassadors; Distinguished Guests, Friends from the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Good morning and greetings to you all!
I would like to start by expressing my deep appreciation to President Remengesau for graciously making all the necessary arrangements to host the First Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit in Palau and providing the leaders and prominent citizens of our Pacific island nations the opportunity to gather together under one roof. This summit opens a new chapter in the cooperative partnership between our societies. On behalf of the 23 million people and government of Taiwan, I extend to you, President Remengesau, our most heartfelt gratitude.
I would also like to take this opportunity to convey my warmest greetings to the other Presidents, Prime Ministers, delegates and distinguished guests in attendance: Alii! Miaoli! Yakwei! Wo reit ed! Yu how! Talofa!
Taiwan and its Pacific allies have maintained close relations over the years. In previous meetings with the esteemed Presidents and Prime Minsiters present today, we have exchanged views, produced fruitful results, and forged firm bonds of brotherhood.
We have come together to engage in in-depth discussions regarding overall conditions in the Pacific region and our cooperative relations. Through sharing our ideas and experiences, we will endeavor to establish an effective framework for long-term cooperation and partnership for development.
I have high expectations for this historic gathering, confident that it will advance our mutual understanding, deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation, augment our Pacific nations' practical capacities for participation in international organizations, and strengthen our presence on the world stage.
Your nations' steadfast support for Taiwan has won the appreciation and friendship of our people and government. As a member of the Pacific community, Taiwan looks forward to playing a more active role in regional affairs and working closely with the Pacific Islands Forum to promote peace and well-being in the region.
In conjunction with this conference, Taiwan's Department of Health is holding the Pacific Health Forum here in Palau. The forum will undertake wide-ranging consultations and discussions with the mission of drawing up concrete plans for multilateral, cooperative medical care and public health programs. It serves as a practical demonstration of Taiwan's determination to contribute to and improve regional public health and medical services.
Esteemed friends:
The special effort you have made to take time out of you busy schedules and journey to Palau is a moving and admirable expression of the importance you place on this summit. I am confident that the consensuses we reach in the course of our consultations on cooperation in diverse fields--including medicine and public health, agriculture, fisheries, alternative energy, economic partnership, social and cultural affairs, and tourism--will forge a stronger, enduring partnership between us. Taiwan looks forward to laying a solid foundation for formulating comprehensive regional development programs.
In closing, on behalf of the Taiwan delegation, I wish this summit great success. Thank you!