Remarks at the 21-Gun Salute Ceremony
to Welcome Prime Minister Dr. Derek Sikua
of the Solomon Islands
Chen Shui-bian
President
Republic of China (Taiwan)
March 3, 2008
Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Derek Sikua of the Solomon Islands and Madam Sikua, Vice President Lu, Distinguished Members of the Solomon Islands Delegation, Your Excellencies Envoys to Taiwan, Esteemed Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Good morning to you all!
It is a great pleasure and indeed a privilege to welcome Prime Minister Sikua and his distinguished entourage, who are visiting Taiwan at our invitation, with this grand salute ceremony. This is Prime Minister Sikua's first state visit to Taiwan since he assumed the premiership last December. On behalf of the government and the 23 million people of Taiwan, I would like to express our most heartfelt welcome to the Prime Minister and his delegation. Thank you for coming.
This year marks both the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Solomon Islands and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the Solomon Islands. Your Excellency's visit to Taiwan at this historic moment not only demonstrates your commitment to relations between our nations, but it also represents a significant milestone in the history of our countries' relationship, which has spanned a quarter of a century.
Since becoming Prime Minister at the end of last year, Your Excellency has worked tirelessly to advance the development of the Solomon Islands, boost the nation's economy, improve the wellbeing of the people, and cultivate ties with neighboring countries. Many of these countries have responded positively to your efforts, which have greatly enhanced the standing of the Solomon Islands' in the region. Your commitment to state affairs in the past few months has earned you the people's support and praise. We truly admire your achievements.
Shortly after Your Excellency had been sworn in as prime minister, I telephoned you to extend my congratulations. During our conversation, Your Excellency solemnly pledged to strengthen relations between our nations, agreed to host the Fourth Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit in the Solomon Islands, and promised to support Taiwan's participation in international organizations. In addition, you warmly received Taiwan's Vice President Annette Lu during her visit to the Solomon Islands on February 1st. I have no doubt that, under your wise leadership, relations between our nations will continue to become closer and stronger.
I hope that, through this visit, Your Excellency will learn more about Taiwan and further support our nation. I also look forward to exchanging views with you during your stay here on important issues such as how to further solidify our relations and expand our collaborative projects, so that we can take our friendly and cooperative relationship to new heights.
In closing, I would like to once again warmly welcome Prime Minister Sikua, Madam Sikua, and the distinguished delegation from the Solomon Islands. I wish Prime Minister Sikua and Madam Sikua health and happiness, and our two countries great prosperity and lasting friendship. Thank you. Tagio too mass!