President Chen Shui-bian on the morning of March 19, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), bestowed the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon on former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson in recognition of his long efforts and outstanding contributions to fostering substantive and friendly relations between Taiwan and the United States.
In remarks made during the proceedings, Mr. Thompson said that there is no higher honor for him than to receive an award from another nation. He recalled his first visit to Taiwan in 1978 and said that it was from that time that he fell in love with the beautiful land that makes up Taiwan and the warmth of Taiwan's people. He said observing Taiwan over the years has enabled him to have a deep understanding of the outstanding abilities of the Taiwan people and government. It is because of this that Taiwan has chalked up achievements in so many areas, he said.
After the ceremony to present the honor was completed, President Chen and Mr. Thompson sat down and held talks. The president said that he is delighted the former secretary immediately came to the Presidential Building upon arriving in Taiwan to receive the honor. He said that conferring this honor represents the appreciation of the Taiwan government and people for the efforts made by the former secretary over the years to bolster substantive and friendly relations between Taiwan and the United States. He also said it marks Taiwan's gratitude for the contributions made by Mr. Thompson's in providing assistance to Taiwan in its efforts to participate in the World Health Organization (WHO).
President Chen said that the former secretary during his tenure as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services expressed his concern and provided assistance to help Taiwan participate in the WHO. The president said Taiwan is grateful for these efforts. In particular, the former secretary made a strong case for Taiwan's participation in the organization during a speech he made at the World Medical Association in 2002, he said.
The president said that an outbreak of SARS was seen on Taiwan in 2003. At the time, Taiwan was trying to figure out what to do and experts from the WHO were slow in providing assistance to Taiwan. The president said Taiwan is deeply grateful that the US Department of Health and Human Services sent experts to Taiwan to assist and provide guidance to Taiwan, enabling the nation to gradually overcome this crisis and successfully combat SARS. He said that Former Secretary Thompson and the US government played an important role in this effort. President Chen also thanked the former secretary for speaking on behalf of Taiwan at the 2004 World Health Assembly. A vote was held on whether to grant Taiwan observer status. Despite facing pressure from various circles, the former secretary and the US government voted in favor of the proposal, for which the president expressed his gratitude.
President Chen lauded Former Secretary Thompson as not only an outstanding political leader in the United States, but a leader in world health. Presently, he serves as the honorary chairman of the Global Fund, which is dedicated to fighting AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. President Chen said he hopes the Foundation of Medical Professionals Alliance in Taiwan will promote and form a Friends of the Global Fund Taiwan branch so that Taiwan can support, contribute to and share its experiences in international efforts to provide health for all mankind.