Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

During a reception for the 197th anniversary of the independence of Central America at noon of September 17, President Tsai Ing-wen thanked our Central American diplomatic allies for their longstanding and staunch support of Taiwan. She also expressed hope for further strengthening economic and trade cooperation with our allies in a way that benefits all parties concerned.

In remarks, President Tsai stated that it is a great pleasure to celebrate the 197th anniversary of the independence of Central America together with Taiwan's diplomatic allies. On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), she extended her most sincere congratulations to them.

The president then thanked our diplomatic allies for their longstanding and staunch support of Taiwan, and for speaking up on Taiwan's behalf for many years in important international venues.

Despite the great distance between Taiwan and Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala, President Tsai stated, we share a firm commitment to advancing freedom and democracy. Taiwan identifies with the historical experience of our Central American allies in overcoming colonial rule and achieving independence, she said.

The peoples of Central America, President Tsai mentioned, 197 years ago, successfully stood up against the oppression by their colonizers, so that subsequent generations could truly enjoy freedom and democracy. The people of Taiwan also went through arduous times. Our predecessors bravely challenged unfair and authoritarian rule, sending Taiwan on the road to real democracy.

The president emphasized that our Central American allies have always been among our most committed partners. We look forward to further strengthening economic and trade cooperation with our allies in a way that benefits all parties concerned, she said.

President Tsai pointed out that the world-renowned beef and coffee of Honduras are already available to consumers in Taiwan. In February this year, Taiwan also welcomed the first shipment of high-quality melons from Honduras. In August this year, Honduras was affected by a serious drought. Taiwan immediately expressed concern and provided assistance to help our Honduran friends get through this difficult period.

In Nicaragua, the president further mentioned, Taiwan's Agricultural Technical Mission has worked hard. Through our joint efforts, Nicaragua has achieved considerable success in rice cultivation, enhancement of cattle breeds, and pig farming. In addition, the country's exports of frozen shrimp have increased considerably this year, with Taiwan being the largest importer. In addition, our bamboo handicraft program has enabled over 400 families in Nicaragua to learn Taiwanese bamboo weaving techniques and open handicraft stores, improving their livelihood.

President Tsai continued to explain that in Guatemala, we have leveraged our experience to guide micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in enhancing operational capabilities and aligning with international practices. We also assisted Guatemala in completing a sea turtle conservation center, contributing to the sustainable development of marine resources and stimulating tourism revenues. In June this year, after a violent volcanic eruption in Guatemala which resulted in devastating damage and loss of life, we also expressed our sincere condolences and actively provided assistance to the disaster victims.

The president stated that Taiwan and its allies in Central America support each other to address challenges. In the future, the Taiwan government will work with enterprises to set up professional teams to further cooperate with our Central American allies to develop local markets, increase procurement of local products, and contribute to local infrastructure projects. She said that Taiwan will act in the spirit of mutual assistance for mutual benefits to prosper together with our Central American allies.

In recent months, President Tsai pointed out, China attempts to alter Taiwan's diplomatic situation through its unreasonable suppression of Taiwan. However, this threat will only serve to strengthen the friendship between Taiwan and its Central American allies. She said that we look forward to working in unison with our like-minded allies in defending our shared core values of democracy and freedom.

In closing, the president once again expressed her gratitude to Taiwan's allies for staunchly backing Taiwan. She invited the guests to raise a toast to the continued wellbeing of the heads of state and peoples of Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala, the everlasting prosperity of these beautiful countries, and the enduring friendship between Taiwan and its Central American allies.

Also attending the reception were Nicaragua Ambassador to the ROC William Manuel Tapia Alemán, Honduran Ambassador to the ROC Rafael Fernando Sierra Quesada, Guatemalan Ambassador to the ROC Olga Maria Aguja Zuniga, Control Yuan President Chang Po-ya (張博雅), National Security Council Secretary-General David T. Lee (李大維), Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), and National Defense Minister Yen Teh-fa (嚴德發).