President Chen Shui-bian on the morning of January 22 met with former US Deputy National Security Advisor Jack Dyer Crouch and his wife at the Presidential Office. President Chen extended a cordial welcome and deep appreciation to Mr. Crouch on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan).
President Chen said that the former Deputy National Security Advisor was a good friend to and staunch supporter of Taiwan during his tenure in the White House. The president said Taiwan is the most loyal friend of the United States and the United States is without a doubt the best friend of Taiwan.
In discussing bilateral cooperation, the president said that military exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and the United States have always been quite smooth and many accomplishments have been chalked up as a result. The president once again expressed his deepest gratitude to the Bush administration, the Congress and the people of the United States. President Chen said that Taiwan's legislature has given its support to three major arms procurement deals with the United States. Even though both sides might not be completely satisfied with the deals, it is important to note that at least there has been movement forward after a delay of the past several years, the president said. He added that Taiwan's Legislative Yuan has given its preliminary approval to related budgets, which is a major step forward to the realization of the deals. These arms packages will have an important impact in guaranteeing security in the Taiwan Strait, the president said.
President Chen once again stressed that democracy is Taiwan's most powerful theatre missile defense system. He said he hopes the United States will continue to support and encourage Taiwan's efforts to strengthen and solidify its democracy, enabling the people of Taiwan to have confidence in continuing to move down this path.
President Chen mentioned that Taiwan will hold its presidential election on March 22. He said he is confident that the election will proceed smoothly. This result of the election will not only produce a new leader for Taiwan, but will also mark a peaceful handover of power. The president cited the parliamentary elections held here on January 12 as an example of Taiwan's democratic process. While there had been some contested issues, the elections as a whole were carried out peacefully. This represents the democratic maturity of Taiwan's 23 million people and is something that the people of the nation should be extremely proud of, he said.
Mr. Crouch said that the United States and Taiwan should continue to maintain cooperation in the implementation of democracy here. While Mr. Crouch said that he has returned to the private sector, he mentioned that he has a fondness for and interest in Taiwan. In addition, he also has a degree of understanding of Taiwan-related affairs. He said he will continue to pay attention to Taiwan's efforts in further promoting democracy.
The former Deputy National Security Advisor also said he is proud of the success exhibited by Taiwan in holding its parliamentary elections. He said Taiwan's electoral process and accomplishments provide an example for the region and the world of how a successful democracy should operate. Mr. Crouch also lauded President Chen for his work and contributions to realizing democracy on Taiwan.