Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

President Tsai Ing-wen met on the morning of November 28 with a delegation led by Lions Club International (LCI) President Bob Corlew. In addition to praising the LCI for its many years of service to society, the president also expressed hope that Taiwan can continue to enhance its cooperation with the LCI and make more contributions to Taiwan and the world.

In remarks, President Tsai noted that while meeting just last week with high-ranking officials of Lions Club District 300-G1, which is based in Taiwan, she mentioned "New Mountains to Climb," the 2016-17 Lions Club theme adopted by President Corlew. On that occasion she stated that the work of both the government and non-government entities is a lot like mountain climbing in that one must prepare well before courageously setting out. The process may be arduous, but a beautiful view awaits once the trek is completed.

President Tsai pointed out that Lions Club members throughout the world have acted out of a sense of mission over many long years to provide a diverse range of services in their local communities, and that the close cooperation between the LCI and the United Nations has been an indispensable force in support of international humanitarian aid.

Commenting on the development of the Lions Club in Taiwan, President Tsai noted that Lions Clubs International MD300 currently has over 1,100 local chapters and more than 46,000 members. The Lions take active part in community service activities. They care for the underprivileged, for example, and solicit donations for relief efforts after major storms and earthquakes. They deserve praise and thanks for all their hard work, she said.

In President Tsai's view, cooperating with non-governmental organizations and sharing Taiwan's successful experience with democracy and high-tech achievements has always been one way for Taiwan to participate in the international community. With the LCI set to mark its centennial in 2017, it can indeed be expected to climb new mountains as it enters a new age. Looking to the future, the president said she hopes the LCI under the leadership of President Corlew can continue to grow stronger in Taiwan and maintain its close partnership with our government, so that the two sides can work together to serve the people of Taiwan and make more contributions to the word.