President Tsai meets US Wyoming Governor Matt Mead
President Tsai Ing-wen met on the morning of October 12 with a delegation led by US State of Wyoming Governor Matt Mead. She thanked the governor for his support for Taiwan's international participation, and the signing of a "Driver's License Reciprocity Agreement between Taiwan and Wyoming." President Tsai also expressed hope that the two sides would continue to enhance cooperation in various fields.
In remarks, the president said Governor Mead is a good friend of Taiwan who sends a congratulatory message every year on our national day. She also said she was pleased that the governor was leading another delegation to Taiwan this year for the occasion, and extended a sincere welcome to the visitors on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan.
President Tsai noted that Governor Mead is very highly regarded, both for his diligence in dealing with state affairs and his policy achievements. She also congratulated Governor Mead for being chosen by the media this past July as the third most popular governor in the US.
The president pointed out that Taiwan and Wyoming, which became sister states in 1984, have a deep friendship with a strong bilateral economic and trade relationship. At present, Taiwan is Wyoming's sixth largest export market in Asia and 16th largest trading partner in the world, and total investment in Wyoming by Taiwan's private sector has reached US$35 million.
President Tsai mentioned that Governor Mead signed a joint resolution of both houses of the Wyoming legislature affirming that Taiwan is an important partner for Wyoming, and supporting Taiwan's participation in international organizations dealing with issues like collective security, public health, and trade. During this visit to Taiwan, she said, the governor witnessed the signing of a "Driver's License Reciprocity Agreement between Taiwan and Wyoming," which will make it easier for Taiwanese to work, study, invest, and do business in Wyoming, and vice-versa. The president thanked Governor Mead and the Wyoming legislature for their support, and expressed hope that the two sides would continue to enhance cooperation in a variety of areas.
Commenting on energy policy, President Tsai pointed out that Wyoming is actively doing R&D work on clean energy technology, including wind power and clean coal, and is seeking to strike a balance between power development, environmental protection, and economic prosperity. This is also the goal of Taiwan's energy policy, she said, adding that she hopes to enhance ties with Wyoming in this area and work together for sustainable development.
Finally, the president expressed hope that this visit would afford her guests an even deeper understanding of Taiwan's current industrial development and give them a chance to search for even more opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
Included among the guests were Mr. Eli Bebout, President of the Wyoming Senate; Mr. William T. "Bill" Panos, Director of the Wyoming Department of Transportation; Mr. Shawn Reese, Chief Executive Officer of the Wyoming Business Council; Mr. Tony Young, Chief Information Officer of the Department of Enterprise Technology Services; and Mr. Douglas Miyamoto, Director of the Department of Agriculture.