President Ma Ying-jeou met with Governor Brad Henry and Mrs. Henry of the US State of Oklahoma at the Presidential Office on the afternoon of August 25. The president, on behalf of the government of the ROC (Taiwan), extended a cordial welcome to Governor and Mrs. Henry on their visit to Taiwan.
President Ma remarked that since first being elected to the position in 2003, Governor Henry has done his utmost in attending to the affairs of his state and promoting various development projects. He is a highly popular figure among Oklahoma's residents. When he ran for re-election, Governor Henry won 68% of the votes cast, evidence of his strong support among the public, President Ma said. The president added that the ROC (Taiwan) and Oklahoma share a long friendship. Oklahoma City, the capital of the state, has entered into sister city arrangements with Taipei City and other cities in Taiwan. Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of forging the sister city relationship. President Ma said he looks forward to both sides holding activities to commemorate the anniversary, which will further strengthen the bilateral relationship.
In addition, the Oklahoma legislature has previously passed resolutions expressing its hope that the United States federal government will negotiate and sign a free trade agreement with Taiwan, as well as supporting Taiwan's entry into international activities and organizations. President Ma, noting that the people of Taiwan will never forget these gestures, expressed his deepest gratitude in this regard.
The president commented that about two weeks ago Typhoon Morakot caused heavy damage to southern Taiwan, resulting in the deaths of many people and significant loss of property. President Ma said the government is currently making every effort to settle persons in disaster areas whose homes were destroyed and carry out reconstruction. The president said he also wants to thank the United States for providing helicopters that assisted in moving heavy machinery and aided in the rescue work.
Governor Henry expressed his appreciation to President Ma for taking time out of his busy schedule of official duties to meet with him. He also expressed his sympathies regarding the serious flooding seen here as a result of the typhoon. Governor Henry remarked that each year Oklahoma also experiences many natural disasters. Therefore, the government and people of his state are able to understand the pain and suffering of the Taiwan people, he said. The governor added that in this difficult time, his state is willing to provide Taiwan any assistance it requires.