President Ma Ying-jeou met with a delegation of Canadian Members of Parliament on the morning of April 8 at the Presidential Office. The president extended a cordial welcome to the visitors on behalf of the government of the ROC (Taiwan).
The president commented that Canada and Taiwan have a very close relationship. Canada's major cities are home to large numbers of immigrants from Taiwan. In addition, the Canadian government and the people of Canada are very friendly toward Taiwan. The president said that after he emerged the winner in last year's presidential election, Canada's foreign minister sent a special letter of congratulations to him. President Ma also said that the Canadian government has consistently supported Taiwan in its bid to participate in the World Health Organization. He furthermore noted that many Taiwan students have headed to Canada to continue their studies and have contributed what they have learned to Taiwan's development upon their return here. The president specially pointed out that Premier Liu Chao-shiuan graduated from the University of Toronto with a doctorate in chemistry.
President Ma said that he has known Canada's representative to Taiwan for many years and has also participated in fundraising activities for Canada's Terry Fox Foundation. He said he is extremely pleased that the foundation has kept the funds raised in Taiwan here to carry out cancer research. This research has been instrumental over the years in helping to boost the medical research standards of Taiwan. The president also said that Taiwan last year joined the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement. In the future, Canadian firms will be able to participate in public infrastructure projects promoted by the government here, he said, adding that he hopes that this will help pave the way for long-term cooperative relationships, and will promote bilateral trade and cultural interaction.