President Ma Ying-jeou and Vice President Vincent C. Siew on the evening of May 21 at the Presidential Office met with Vatican Special Envoy Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams and a short while later with Saint Kitts and Nevis Governor General Cuthbert Montraville Sebastian. President Ma, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), extended a warm welcome and thanked the visitors for traveling lengthy distances to come to Taiwan to participate in the presidential and vice presidential inauguration proceedings here.
During his meeting with Archbishop Adams, President Ma said that Taiwan and the Vatican have a deep friendship that dates back a long time. In recent years, however, bilateral relations have suffered to a degree from influence exerted by mainland China. He said that Taiwan and the Vatican both uphold the values of freedom of religion and religious belief. President Ma added that Pope Benedict XVI has made every effort to promote democracy, human rights, freedom and peace throughout the world, which are the same values that Taiwan has long pursued. President Ma said he sincerely hopes that the meeting today with Archbishop Adams will, on the basis of shared values, enable bilateral relations to improve.
Archbishop Adams offered his congratulations to President Ma and Vice President Siew. He also expressed his hope that both sides are able to work in the pursuit of world peace and protect democracy and human rights.
When meeting with Governor General Sebastian, President Ma pointed out the lengthy distance that his guest had to travel to take part in the inauguration activities. The president also expressed his gratitude to Governor General Sebastian for participating in all of the activities on May 20, which included traveling on the high speed railway from Taipei to Kaohsiung to attend a state dinner. President Ma said he hopes the friendship of the two countries will continue to strengthen.
President Ma said that organizers of the May 20 events intentionally decided against using planes or limousines to transport guests and dignitaries in favor of employing the high speed railway, the Kaohsiung mass rapid transit system and shuttle buses. The main reason for this decision was to express Taiwan's dedication to conserving energy and to reducing carbon emissions. President Ma said that as a member of the global village, Taiwan has an obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He said he hopes that the arrangements were not inconvenient in any way to Governor General Sebastian.
Governor General Sebastian expressed his admiration for President Ma for leading by example and practicing what he preaches. He added he looks forward to cordial discussions with President Ma, which will pave the way for even more exchanges between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco H. L. Ou was in attendance when Vatican Special Envoy Archbishop Adams and Saint Kitts and Nevis Governor General Sebastian met with President Ma and Vice President Siew.