Remarks at the 21-Gun Salute Welcome for
His Excellency President Litokwa Tomeing of the Marshall Islands
Chen Shui-bian
President
Republic of China (Taiwan)
March 10, 2008
Your Excellency President Litokwa Tomeing of the Marshall Islands and Madame Tomeing, Vice President Lu, Premier Chang, Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs deBrum and Madame deBrum, Distinguished Members of the Marshall Islands Delegation, Your Excellencies Envoys to Taiwan, Esteemed Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Good afternoon! Yakwe!
It is indeed a great pleasure and privilege to welcome Your Excellency President Tomeing of the Marshall Islands, Madame Tomeing, and your distinguished delegation with this grand 21-gun salute. As this is the first state visit to Taiwan for President Tomeing, it holds particular significance for both of us. On behalf of the government and 23 million people of Taiwan, I would like to extend our most heartfelt welcome and appreciation to President Tomeing, Madame Tomeing, and your esteemed entourage.
President Tomeing is one of the Marshall Islands' most senior and accomplished politicians. Your Excellency entered the national political arena after winning a parliamentary seat in 1974. Since then, the prosperity and progress of the Marshall Islands have been the chief concerns of your political career. Having served as senator, vice speaker and speaker of the parliament, and Minister in Assistance to the President, Your Excellency was elected by the majority of parliament as president of the Marshall Islands on January 7th this year. This is a clear demonstration of this esteemed country's affirmation of the remarkable performance and contributions Your Excellency has achieved in the course of your political life. We have found Your Excellency's accomplishments to be most admirable as well.
This year is particularly meaningful, as it marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Marshall Islands and Taiwan. Less than two months after being sworn in as president, Your Excellency has taken time out of your busy schedule to conduct a state visit to Taiwan. This visit not only serves as a testament to the importance Your Excellency attaches to the relations between our two countries, but also renews our long-standing friendship, bringing it to a new milestone.
With my state visit to the Marshall Islands in May 2005, I became Taiwan's first president to set foot on this great country. During that visit, I was warmly welcomed by Your Excellency, then speaker of the parliament, and invited to make a speech at the parliament, which was a great personal honor. When leading a delegation to attend the Second Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit in the Marshall Islands last year, the people, government, and many good friends like Your Excellency of the Marshall Islands once again received me with great hospitality. Most recently, President Tomeing and his cabinet provided a most gracious welcome to Vice President Annette Lu when she led a delegation to the Marshall Islands at the end of January to extend our congratulations to Your Excellency and your administration. Therefore, on behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, I would like to reiterate our utmost gratitude and respect to the government and people of the Marshall Islands for its warm and earnest friendship.
Since bilateral diplomatic ties were established ten years ago, the Marshall Islands has staunchly supported Taiwan in the international arena. It has spoken on numerous occasions backing Taiwan's efforts to join such international organizations as the United Nations and the World Health Organization. The relationship between us has grown extremely close, just like that between brothers. We are grateful for the support and encouragement of the Marshall Islands over the years. We are convinced that, under Your Excellency's outstanding leadership, the Marshall Islands will march toward a more prosperous and peaceful future, and our friendship will reach new heights.
In closing, I would like to wish President Tomeing and Madame Tomeing the best of health and happiness, and both our countries prosperity and everlasting friendship. Thank you. Komo Tata.