President Ma Ying-jeou on the morning of October 30 at the Presidential Office met with American Veterans (AMVETS) National Commander Mr. John Hapner. The president extended a warm welcome to Mr. Hapner for making the long journey to Taiwan.
President Ma commented that over the past 60 years, the United States has been involved in the Korean and Vietnam wars in an effort to safeguard its allies and defend freedom and democracy for humankind. The United States has paid an enormous price in these efforts. He said AMVETS has a large number of members and is quite a united and patriotic organization. Over the decades, it has maintained close interaction with similar organizations in Taiwan and other countries. The president said that Mr. Hapner has made this trip to Taiwan shortly before Veterans Day in the United States, and that he would like to extend his warmest welcome and admiration.
President Ma noted that after assuming the presidency, he immediately embarked on efforts to improve the friendship between Taiwan and the United States, hoping to resume an atmosphere of mutual trust. At the same time, he said he has worked aggressively to improve ties between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, especially trade and economic relations. This is not only beneficial to Taiwan's economic development, but also to lasting peace in the Taiwan Strait, he said. The president commented that he also adopted a number of reforms with regards to strengthening national defense, hoping that Taiwan will have a solid ability to defend itself and engage in negotiations with Mainland China amid such an environment. The president added that he appreciates the US administration approving a package of arms sales to Taiwan, noting that this will bolster Taiwan's ability in the future to defend itself. He said that Taiwan will look to continue its cooperative relationship with the United States in the area of security.
Mr. Hapner said that while his organization is a non-governmental one, it holds considerable influence. AMVETS, he said, each year passes a number of resolutions supporting Taiwan and is pleased to see the US administration passing the plan to sell the package of arms to Taiwan. Mr. Hapner said he also welcomes dialogue between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.
AMVETS National Commander Hapner & Mrs. Hapner and AMVETS National Ladies Auxiliary National President Charlene Kee were accompanied to the Presidential Office in the morning by Veterans Affairs Commission Minister Kao Hua-chu to meet President Ma. Also in attendance was National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Ho Szu-yin.