President Ma Ying-jeou, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), on the afternoon of June 3 bestowed the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon on Central American Parliament Speaker Julio Guillermo González. The honor is in recognition of Speaker González's long efforts supporting participation for the ROC (Taiwan) in the United Nations, the World Health Organization and other international agencies, along with his outstanding contribution in fostering cooperation and exchanges between the ROC and the Central American Parliament. Meanwhile, Speaker González decorated President Ma with the Order of Francisco Morazon in recognition of his contribution to promoting democratic development on Taiwan.
President Ma said he was honored to receive the decoration, the first such one he has ever received. He said that he is deeply honored to receive this important decoration, just two weeks after he took office. He said the decoration symbolizes the deep friendship between the Central American Parliament and the ROC. He also expressed his gratitude on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan).
President Ma praised Speaker González for his all-out efforts since becoming speaker in promoting friendly and cooperative relations between Central America and the ROC, along with fostering cooperation within the Central American region. He said that over the past several decades, Taiwan has pursued democratic development, economic growth, protection of human rights, and assistance for the underprivileged in the hope of becoming a free and democratic nation that treats all of its citizens equally. The president added that the ROC's diplomatic allies in Central America pursue the same goals, aiming to establish free, equal and democratic societies. As these nations and the ROC share the same goals, it is natural that they have been able to work together over the long term.
In January this year the Central American Parliament passed a resolution calling for strengthened cooperation with the ROC (Taiwan). President Ma expressed his appreciation for this. He added that he already stressed during his inauguration address that the ROC (Taiwan) will work to strengthen its cooperative relationships with its friends and allies on the basis of dignity, autonomy, pragmatism, and flexibility. He said that in terms of multilateral relationships, the ROC (Taiwan) will work with other countries to jointly maintain international order and fulfill its international obligation, specifically in the areas of economy, politics and the environment. President Ma stressed that there will not be any changes to existing cooperation projects between the ROC (Taiwan) and its diplomatic allies. In addition, decisions will be made whether to expand or extend these projects after reviewing their efficacy, he said.
Lastly, President Ma said he hopes the guests, on their return to their homes, will express the appreciation extended to them on Taiwan back to the people in Taiwan's diplomatic allies throughout Central America. He offered his best wishes on increasing success for the Central American Parliament as well as expressing his hopes for long lasting ties between the ROC (Taiwan) and its Central American allies.
Speaker González, on behalf of the visiting delegation from the Central American Parliament, expressed his appreciation to President Ma for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with them, as well as the warm reception they have been provided. He also extended congratulations on behalf of the people of Central America to President Ma for winning the presidency. Speaker González praised President Ma for his outstanding academic background and comprehensive experience. President Ma has a law degree from National Taiwan University, an LL.M. from New York University and an S.J.D. from Harvard University. In addition, he has held a wide variety of government positions and also was the youngest person ever to serve in the ROC Cabinet, the speaker said.
Speaker González said the Central American Parliament is the highest political organization representing the people of Central America. Nations of the region have expressed their willingness to hasten regional integration, and the people of the region have embraced the goal of regional integration. Amid this trend, the ROC is not only an official observer in the Central American Parliament, but also has long provided substantive assistance to aid in the development of countries throughout the region, he said. Speaker González noted the strong multilateral and bilateral cooperation and contacts maintained between the region and the ROC, adding that he hopes the ROC in the future will continue to support the modernization of the Central American Parliament, providing assistance in improving facilities as well as software.