President Ma Ying-jeou on the afternoon of August 26 bestowed the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon on Organizacion Editorial Mexicana Chairman Mr. Mario Vázquez Raña. Presenting the honor on behalf of the government and people of the ROC, President Ma lauded Mr. Vázquez for speaking on behalf of Taiwan on many occasions and making outstanding contributions to fostering relations between the two countries.
The ceremony presenting the honor was held at 2 p.m. at the Presidential Building. Mr. and Mrs. Vázquez, his daughter and a grandchild were joined by International Olympic Committee Member Reynaldo González López and Mrs. González, National Security Council Secretary-General Su Chi and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Javier Ching-shan Hou.
After the protocol officer read a statement declaring the honor, President Ma placed the sash and the medal of honor on Mr. Vázquez. He then shook hands with Mr. Vázquez and offered his congratulations. Mr. Vázquez made brief remarks after accepting the honor. President Ma and Mr. Vázquez then raised their glasses and toasted each other. Those in attendance also raised their glasses in a gesture of congratulations.
In his remarks, Mr. Vázquez said he was obliged to President Ma for bestowing on him the award and said he is deeply honored. Mr. Vázquez said he has always considered himself as Taiwan's best friend. He said he has had the good fortune of making many good friends from Taiwan and that receiving this honor marks the most satisfying and unforgettable moment in his life. Mr. Vázquez also praised the ROC's representative to Mexico, saying that he is an outstanding diplomat. He added that the ROC representative to Mexico has left a deep impression on him and has helped to further enhance his understanding of Taiwan.
After the ceremony, President Ma and Mr. Vázquez sat down for an in-depth discussion. The two exchanged opinions on a wide range of issues, including relations between Taiwan and Mexico, cross-strait affairs, Taiwan's international status and the global energy crisis.