President Chen Shui-bian on August 16 met with Mr. Frank Murkowski, the former governor of the US state of Alaska. The president expressed a warm welcome to Mr. Murkowski on making another visit to Taiwan and also expressed his gratitude for his long friendship and support for Taiwan. Former Governor Murkowski reiterated his support for Taiwan in its bid to enter the United Nations under the name "Taiwan" and for Taiwan to hold a referendum to forge a consensus among its people on its application to enter the UN. President Chen expressed his appreciation for Former Governor Murkowski's stance and lauded the former governor as one of Taiwan's best friends. He said the government and 23 million people of Taiwan deeply admire and appreciate Former Governor Murkowski's support.
The president said that he made transit stops in Alaska in 2003 and 2005, respectively, and that during those visits he was warmly received by Mr. Murkowski, who was governor at the time, as well as friends at all levels of government in Alaska. The president noted that while Mr. Murkowski served as governor, he sent four letters to US President George W. Bush and the Secretary-General of the World Health Organization, expressing support for Taiwan's participation in the WHO. In addition, during that time, the Alaska State Assembly also passed joint resolutions supporting the signing of a free trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan, as well as supporting the entry of Taiwan into the WHO. The president once again expressed his thanks to the state for its staunch support for Taiwan.
The president also praised Former Governor Murkowski for promoting cooperative relations between Taiwan and Alaska during his tenure as governor. President Chen said the creation of the Taiwan-Alaska Trade and Investment Cooperation Council (TATICC) has established an outstanding platform for bilateral trade and exchanges. The TATICC has now been in existence for three years and has exhibited a number of accomplishments. The president said he looks forward to meeting again with Former Governor Murkowski during the fourth annual meeting of the council to be held soon.