President Tsai meets delegation led by US Congressman Ruben Gallego
President Tsai Ing-wen met on the morning of April 30 with a delegation led by US Congressman Ruben Gallego. During the meeting, she emphasized that Taiwan will continue to work with the US to further solidify the partnership.
In remarks, President Tsai noted that Congressman Gallego is a member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus in the US House of Representatives, and has long supported resolutions related to Taiwan. On behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, she then expressed a cordial welcome to the congressman on his first visit here.
The president also noted that the US Congress recently passed the Taiwan Travel Act, showing staunch support for deeper Taiwan-US relations. Taiwan will continue to work with the US to develop an even more solid partnership, she said.
President Tsai also expressed gratitude to the US for fulfilling its commitment to Taiwan's security in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. She mentioned that the US announced arms sales to Taiwan in June 2017, and this month also approved marketing licenses that will allow US defense contractors to provide technologies and hardware to help Taiwan manufacture its own submarines. This will contribute to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and demonstrates US determination to support its partners in the Asia-Pacific region.
Commenting on economic and trade relations, the president emphasized that Taiwan is proactively responding to US government policies that encourage investment in the US, showing Taiwan's desire to deepen economic and trade cooperation. She said that close economic and trade relations between Taiwan and the US are complementary and mutually beneficial, and expressed hope that Congressman Gallego would continue to support the strengthening of bilateral economic and trade relations.
Turning to the topic of international participation, President Tsai thanked Congressman Gallego for supporting resolutions in the US Congress in favor of Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, and International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
The president said that although China has continued to use diplomatic means to keep Taiwan out of the World Health Assembly, the government will continue to cooperate with the US and other like-minded countries to pragmatically promote participation in international organizations and actively contribute to international society.
President Tsai closed her remarks by saying she hopes Congressman Gallego's visit will promote bilateral exchanges between Taiwan and the US in education, culture, and tourism. She believes that more exchanges will enhance bilateral relations, and added: "There are all kinds of opportunities for Taiwan-US cooperation, and we will continue to work with members of the US Congress friendly to Taiwan to upgrade bilateral ties."