President Tsai attends dedication ceremony for new AIT compound in Neihu, Taipei
On the morning of June 12 at a dedication ceremony for the new American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) compound in Neihu, Taipei, President Tsai Ing-wen said she was pleased that through the combined efforts of so many people, an important milestone in the Taiwan-US partnership had been completed. She also thanked the AIT team for their trust in Taiwan, and said she looks forward to working together as Taiwan and the US create an even brighter future.
A transcript of the president's remarks follows:
Chairman Moriarty (AIT Chairman James Moriarty),
Former President Ma (Former ROC President Ma Ying-jeou),
Congressman Harper (Congressman Gregg Harper, Co-Chair of US Congressional Taiwan Caucus),
Assistant Secretary Royce (Marie Royce, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs),
Director Moy (AIT Taipei Office Director Kin Moy),
Ambassador Moser (William H. Moser, former US Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova),
Distinguished guests:
Good morning to you all.
I'm going to keep my remarks short, because I know we have a tight schedule to keep. Director Moy has reminded me that his Feng Shui experts cannot be kept waiting.
Today we are here to celebrate something new. A new chapter in a story that has been decades in the making. A story many of us gathered here have helped write.
This is a story that has extended from the first US Consulate-General on Zhongshan North Road (Taipei), across the road where I grew up, to the old embassy building near Beimen; and from the current AIT compound, the former site of the US Military Advisory Group, to the new state-of-the-art building where we are gathered here today.
This is a story that has passed from Karl Rankin, the first US Ambassador on Taiwan, to Director Moy, a great friend of ours who will unfortunately be leaving in a few weeks. It has been continued by all the exceptional diplomats and their families who have called the AIT home.
Indeed, today is a celebration of the people, history, friendships, and linkages that have guided Taiwan-US relations throughout the years. It commemorates all that we have achieved and symbolizes those that are yet to come. It is a reaffirmation of our shared values, interests, and commitment to this vital partnership.
As we dedicate this building, we also rededicate ourselves to our common sense of purpose. As free and open democracies, we have an obligation to work with one another to defend our values and protect our joint interests. As long as we stand together, nothing can come between us.
For it is true: the friendship between Taiwan and the US has never been more promising. The great story of Taiwan-US relations remains to be filled with the efforts of those that will one day occupy this building. I trust that with the renewed presence of the AIT, future chapters will be written, each better and more vibrant than the last.
As Charles T. Cross, the diplomat, marine, and scholar, who was the first Director of the AIT here, often said: 精誠所至金石為開. He remarked: "we could solve all problems by having the right attitudes toward each other." For he knew, as we do, that by treating one another with dignity, sincerity, and respect, we would accomplish great things.
I want to express my gratitude to Congressman Harper, our friends from the State Department, AIT, and everybody who made this event possible. As the AIT directors who are here know better than anyone: this building has been a long time coming. I'm pleased that through all of your efforts, this milestone of the US-Taiwan relationship is now complete.
Lastly, I want to particularly thank Chairman Moriarty, Director Moy, and the team at the AIT for your trust in Taiwan and the promise of our longstanding friendship. I look forward to working together for an even brighter future ahead. Thank you.
Afterwards, President Tsai and the other distinguished guests on stage unveiled the new AIT compound's main entrance, and then participated in a ceremony to seal a time capsule commemorating this historic moment in Taiwan-US relations.