President Tsai holds bilateral talks with Haitian President Jovenel Moïse
On the morning of May 29, President Tsai Ing-wen held bilateral talks with Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. She thanked Haiti for its long-term support for Taiwan's international participation, and said she hopes to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation by enhancing exchanges on various fronts.
In remarks, President Tsai noted that President Moïse had previously visited Taiwan many years ago on a business trip, but this was his first visit as president. Pointing out that some members of the delegation are old friends who know Taiwan well, she extended a warm welcome on this state visit, and said it was wonderful to welcome so many friends, both old and new, to Taiwan and the Presidential Office.
President Tsai pointed out that over the past few years Taiwan and Haiti have been interacting more often. Public-sector exchanges have been frequent, but we also continue to encourage private enterprises to organize business and trade delegations to visit Haiti. Coinciding with this visit by President Moïse's delegation, in fact, is a study trip to Haiti by an investment mission from Taiwan.
President Tsai further pointed out that arrangements have been made for President Moïse to visit cement and high-tech companies, and to hold an investment roadshow. The idea is to enhance mutually beneficial cooperative relations by enhancing exchanges on various fronts.
Commenting on bilateral cooperation projects, President Tsai noted that Haitian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Rodrigue came to Taiwan last month and visited the International Cooperation and Development Fund, where the two sides exchanged views on bilateral cooperation projects. Power transmission networks and rice cultivation, matters of particular interest to President Moïse, are key focal points of current bilateral cooperation. The two sides are now in active discussions, and after the projects get underway, they will become important showcases for bilateral cooperative exchanges.
President Tsai extended thanks for Haiti's long-term support for Taiwan's international participation, and pointed out that Haiti spoke out on Taiwan's behalf at last year's United Nations General Assembly, and again at this year's World Health Assembly.
President Tsai concluded her remarks by noting that President Moïse is visiting Taiwan not only to learn more about our country, but also to enhance diplomatic ties. She expressed hope that the two sides will have even closer interactions and exchanges in the future.
President Moïse then delivered remarks, saying he had instructed Minister Rodrigue, during his previous visit to Taiwan, to convey hopes for higher level bilateral ties. The president reiterated that bilateral diplomatic relations are based on friendship and solidarity, and that Haiti wants to enhance that long-standing friendship, find new momentum, and establish a diversified strategic partnership to ensure development in both countries.
President Moïse went on to say that political circumstances have compelled both countries to face issues quickly and pragmatically. He expressed hope that both Taiwan and Haiti, based on mutual benefit, will create win-win situations that are profitable for Taiwan enterprises, especially in light of Haiti's huge markets and demand for construction projects. The president then said he hopes that a new level of cooperation will become a key element uniting Taiwan and Haiti.