President Tsai welcomes Marshall Islands President Heine with full military honors
On the afternoon of July 27, President Tsai Ing-wen welcomed Republic of the Marshall Islands President Hilda C. Heine and her husband. In addition to thanking the Marshall Islands for speaking up for Taiwan's international participation over the years, she also expressed hope that the two countries will help each other, grow together, and improve the welfare of peoples in both countries through substantive cooperation.
The military honors ceremony got underway at 4 p.m. in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office Building. Following a 21-gun salute, playing of the two countries' national anthems, and a military review, President Tsai and President Heine each delivered remarks.
On behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, President Tsai began by welcoming President Heine and her husband for their another state visit to Taiwan. President Tsai noted that this year marks the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands. Looking back, she said, we see that although the world has changed so much, the two countries have continued to deepen cooperative bilateral relations.
The president mentioned that last year she led a delegation to the Marshall Islands and left a message in the guestbook at the Nitijela (Parliament), which read: "Maritime nations, sustainable democracy." This really conveys Taiwan's contributions to the values that we share, she said.
Upholding the principles of steadfast diplomacy and mutual assistance for mutual benefits, the president pointed out, Taiwan and the Marshall Islands are helping each other and growing together, improving the welfare of our peoples through substantive cooperative relations. Efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, she said, are making particularly noteworthy progress. Our achievements in such areas as medicine, agriculture, education, capacity building, fisheries, and infrastructure have benefited many people, she noted, and we have a story to tell, and experiences to share with the rest of the world.
President Tsai extended special thanks to President Heine and the Marshallese government for taking a stand and speaking up for Taiwan's international participation over the years. Whether it be the UN General Assembly last year or the World Health Assembly this past May, she said, the Taiwanese people have always been deeply touched by the depth of their support.
President Tsai then stated that during President Heine's current state visit both sides will discuss how best to deepen cooperation between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands. President Tsai expressed hope that this visit will give President Heine and her husband a deeper understanding and feeling for Taiwan's development, society, and culture.
In closing, President Tsai once again welcomed President Heine, her husband, and their delegation to Taiwan, and extended best wishes for an enduring partnership between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands, working together for a better future.
President Heine followed with remarks of her own, first expressing, on behalf of the people of the Marshall Islands, her deep appreciation and gratitude for the warm reception that she and her delegation had received. She said that this was her third visit to this beautiful country and that Taiwan always has a special place in the heart of the Marshallese people. While she couldn't put a finger on the reason why their people hold Taiwan in such high regard, she said, she thought that the two countries share a common cultural heritage, with governments that subscribe to the democratic principles of freedom, justice, and the rule of law.
President Heine stated that she was pleased to be able to stand before President Tsai and the Taiwanese people, as this year marks the 20th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands. She stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, neither of the two governments has wavered in its commitment to this very special relationship. To the contrary, she said, the relationship has deepened and matured with time. The two countries value the relationship, and also have shared challenges. But because the relationship is built on mutual respect and trust, we have been able to successfully weather these challenges through open and honest dialogue.
As we celebrate the 20 years of friendship, President Heine said, we should all be proud of all we have been able to do together as diplomatic allies and economic and security partners. Referring to President Tsai's Pacific tour last year, the first stop was the Marshall Islands, and the two heads of state had met to discuss areas of mutual cooperation. President Heine emphasized that the two countries have worked hard and remained vigilant to safeguard our freedom, economic prosperity, and security for future generations.
In closing, President Heine reaffirmed her pledge to continue to nurture the Taiwan-Marshall Islands relationship so that these ties will bring forth the vision that was set out when diplomatic relations were established 20 years ago. As female leaders, President Heine said she believes that she and President Tsai are in a unique place to do a lot more to nurture bilateral relations. President Heine also said that she looked forward to dialogue in the coming days, and working closely with President Tsai to take the relationship to the next level.