Mr. and Mrs. Fukushima, Mr. and Mrs. Shen, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:
Good morning.
First of all, on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, I would like to extend my warmest welcome to all of you. I am most delighted to receive the distinguished guests from overseas and I recommend you to travel all around Taiwan to enjoy our beautiful nature as well as the friendship and hospitality of the Taiwanese people.
I have learned that after Mr. Fukushima took up the international presidency of the International Association of Lions Clubs, he has proposed the ideals of "One World", "One Heart", and "Building a Better Tomorrow" to motivate the members worldwide. I believe such broad vision and total devotion to serve others are the driving forces that have enabled the Lions Clubs to expand and grow over the years.
Over the past half century, Taiwan has received much assistance, support and encouragement from the international society, without which Taiwan would not have the opportunity to enjoy the prosperity, freedom and democracy today. Therefore, with full gratitude, we wish to actively reciprocate and contribute our knowledge, experience and resources to the international community. I sincerely hope that International Association of Lions Clubs will continue to help Taiwan extend its friendship to people all over the world, and make our rightful contribution in enhancing the happiness and well-being of mankind.
The Lions movement has a long history in our country. The first local chapter was established in 1926, following the other two predecessors, the US and Canada. The district number for Taiwan, number 300, signifies the first Asian district chapter. However, due to the chaos in the WWII, the ROC Lions Clubs only resumed their functions in 1953 by setting up "The Taipei Host", the first club here in Taiwan.
After almost fifty years of hard work, now there are 870 Lions Clubs in Taiwan, with more than 37,000 members. Each year, the members in Taiwan make handsome donations to the LCIF and participate enthusiastically in all activities. It is indeed quite unfortunate that earlier this year in April, the International Association of Lions Clubs, under the request of China, unilaterally changed the chapter name from "ROC Lions Clubs International" to "China Taiwan Lions Club". Such action not only belittled Taiwan but also hurt the feelings of the Taiwanese Lions members.
I understand that during this year's international convention, held in Osaka, Japan in July, the International Association of Lions Clubs headquarter used the name of "Taiwan Area Multiple District 300" to address our representatives, instead of the "China Taiwan Lions Club". The International Association of Lions Clubs headquarter has also promised to discuss this issue with our Lions members and seek for a satisfactory solution. I would like to take this opportunity to ask the International Association of Lions Clubs to respect the Taiwanese Lions feelings and choices that they wish to make. I believe the enduring friendship and partnership between the Taiwan chapter and the Lions Clubs International will not be damaged by any external challenge or difficulties.
The logo of the Lions Clubs International is two lions facing two directions, one looks to the past glory, another looks to the promising future. With the same token, I think it is important to cherish the past while looking forward to the new development and new prospect. I sincerely hope that there will be more collaboration and exchanges between the local chapter in Taiwan and the international movement. May our everlasting friendship continue to grow and prosper. Finally, I wish everyone good health and great success. Thank you very much.