Taipei, July 15 (CNA) ROC President Chen Shui-bian met with Douglas Paal, the new director of the Taipei office of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Monday for wide-ranging talks.
It was the first meeting between President Chen and Paal since the de facto U.S. ambassador to Taiwan assumed his post in Taiwan. AIT is the quasi-official U.S. body authorized to handle relations with Taiwan in the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
Chen had assured Paal that the Republic of China will faithfully fulfill its duties and mission as a member of the World Trade Organization and will continue to promote democratization, liberalization and globalization.
On behalf of the ROC government and people, President Chen extended a hearty welcome to Paal's assumption of his new post which he said marks a new milestone in the progress and upgrading of substantive ROC-U.S. relations.
Noting that Paal is one of his old friends, President Chen said he is convinced that the already-cordial Taiwan-U.S. relations will be further strengthened during Paal's service in Taiwan.
President Chen also recognized the contribution of former AIT Director Raymond F. Burghardt and his deputy, Steven Young, to the promotion of bilateral cooperation during their stints in Taiwan.
For his part, Paal had told President Chen that he took great pleasure in being able to work in Taiwan. Paal assured President Chen that he will work closely with Taiwan and do his utmost to further boost bilateral friendship and cooperation.
Before being appointed, Paal worked for the Asia Pacific Policy Center, a non-profit educational institution offering brief publications on issues of interest regarding the United States and Asia, as well as co-hosting international conferences.
He also once served as a senior director for Asian affairs with the U.S. National Security Council and as special assistant to former President George Bush. He is a China expert who has visited Taiwan several times.