President Ma Ying-jeou met with the Republic of the Marshall Islands President Litokwa Tomeing and Mrs. Tomeing at the Presidential Office on the morning of August 11. The president, on behalf of the government of the ROC, extended a cordial welcome to President and Mrs. Tomeing on their visit here. The two leaders exchanged opinions on a broad range of issues, including how to expand interaction and cooperation between the two countries in the future.
President Ma expressed his appreciation to President Tomeing for attending the 40th General Assembly of the Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians' Union in Taipei from August 10 to August 12 and delivering an address to the gathering. Since this is the first time in the past 10 years that the Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians' Union is holding its annual meeting in Taiwan, the president specially welcomed President Tomeing for traveling the long distance to take part. President Ma remarked that President Tomeing came to Taiwan in May of last year to attend his inauguration. Meanwhile, in May of this year, President Ma sent Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco H. L. Ou to lead a delegation to the Marshall Islands to take part in celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of that nation's founding. President Ma said that the delegation from the ROC received a warm reception during its trip there and witnessed the natural beauty of the Marshall Islands, as well as the hospitality of its people and rapid development. The president also said that President Tomeing asked Foreign Minister Ou to present gifts to President Ma of a hand-woven nautical map and other handicrafts. President Ma said the beautiful items were highly representative of the Marshall Islands and he will treasure them.
President Ma also commented that Taipei City cemented a city sister agreement with the Marshall Islands capital of Majuro when he was Taipei City Mayor. At the time, his deputy attended related events on behalf of him. The two countries have long maintained close relations, he said, adding that he hopes that cooperative relations will be further expanded in the future, thereby making the alliance between the two nations even stronger.
President Tomeing expressed his appreciation to President Ma for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with him. He also expressed his deepest concern and regret on behalf of the people of the Marshall Islands for the destruction caused by a typhoon that recently swept through Taiwan. President Tomeing praised President Ma's leadership and efforts over the past year resulting in greater peace in cross-strait relations. President Tomeing also pledged that in the future he will continue to work to solidify the alliance between the two countries. He said he will continue to support Taiwan in the international arena and speak on behalf of Taiwan.