President Ma Ying-jeou on the afternoon of August 28 at the Presidential Office met with Ireland-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Society Chairman Mr. John Perry. The president, on behalf of the government of the ROC, expressed a warm welcome and appreciation to Member of Parliament Perry.
The president said that Ireland has displayed outstanding development over the past 20 years, winning the attention of the entire world. President Ma said that he personally saw the rapid development taking place in Ireland when he visited Dublin in February 2006, with the trip making a deep impression on him. He added that he was so impressed that after returning to Taiwan, he cited in public speeches on a number of occasions Ireland's successful experience and unique strategies in recent years.
President Ma said that during his visit to Ireland he had the opportunity to hold in-depth discussions with Science Foundation Ireland Deputy Chairman Mr. Frank McCabe. At the time, Deputy Chairman McCabe told him that pragmatism, flexibility and agility are the qualities that enabled Ireland to transform from being a relatively laggard nation in Europe to posting growth that has enabled it to become one of the countries in Europe that boast the highest national income.
The president also mentioned that Taiwan has established Taipei economic and cultural offices in most European nations. Meanwhile, except for the ROC's diplomatic ties with the Vatican, European nations all maintain diplomatic relations with Mainland China. President Ma said that European countries are generally cautious in developing relations with the ROC. Taiwan understands the considerations of European countries, he said. However, the new administration here has sought to engage in a diplomatic truce with Mainland China. This policy is aimed at seeking an end to the vicious competition between the two sides in seeking diplomatic recognition. As a result, while Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with the ROC, the government here still is working to expand mutual friendship. This does not mean, however, that the ROC will pursue diplomatic ties with Ireland, he said. At the same time, the ROC hopes Mainland China will not engage in vicious competition with regards to seeking recognition from Taiwan's diplomatic allies. The objective of this policy is for both sides of the Taiwan Strait to seek harmonious co-prosperity in the international community, he said.
President Ma said he hopes to take advantage of this rare opportunity to enable Taiwan's friends in Ireland to understand the government's new methods with regards to the development of cross-strait ties. He said that this will alleviate any worry among Ireland as it seeks to develop relations with both sides of the Taiwan Strait in the future.
Members of the Ireland-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Society visiting Taiwan include Members of Parliament Mr. John Perry, Mr. Noel O'Flynn, Mr. Peter Kelly and Mr. Terence Flanagan. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office in the afternoon to meet with President Ma by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs David Y. L. Lin. Also in attendance was National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Ho Szu-yin.