President Tsai meets former US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel
On the morning of October 24, President Tsai Ing-wen met with former US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel. In addition to praising and thanking Mr. Russel for supporting Taiwan and helping to lay the foundation for Taiwan-US cooperation, the president also expressed hope that he will continue to provide his valuable insights, promote bilateral exchanges, and work with Taiwan to advance regional peace, stability, and security.
After first welcoming Mr. Russel to Taiwan, President Tsai noted that it had already been quite some time since she last saw him in Washington, DC. The president then thanked Mr. Russel for his long-standing support for Taiwan, stating that during his time as Assistant Secretary of State, he helped lay a solid foundation for Taiwan-US cooperation, particularly in the areas of regional security, economic and trade relations, Taiwan's international participation, and national defense. Thanks to Mr. Russel's efforts, she said, Taiwan and the rest of the region have become safer and more prosperous.
President Tsai also said that, in a changing world, she was happy to see that Taiwan-US relations remain as strong and stable as ever. The foundation laid by Mr. Russel has enabled Taiwan to continue cooperating closely with the Trump administration in areas like national defense, regional security, and economic, trade, and investment relations.
The president stressed that the digital economy, environmental protection, and women's empowerment are all areas where Taiwan and the US cooperate on an ongoing basis. She further noted that the bilateral partnership continues, under the auspices of the Taiwan-US Global Cooperation and Training Framework, to contribute to the international community.
President Tsai expressed hope that Mr. Russel and his colleagues from the Asia Society Policy Institute will continue to provide their valuable insights on Taiwan-US cooperation and Taiwan's international space.
And finally, the president stated that now that Mr. Russel has left the State Department, she hopes she will be able to engage in frank, in-depth discussions with him about regional affairs.
President Tsai again extended a sincere welcome, and said she hopes to see more of him in the future.
American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Kin Moy accompanied Mr. Russel to the Office of the President.