President Tsai meets permanent representatives and deputy permanent representatives to UN from Taiwan's diplomatic allies
President Tsai Ing-wen met with permanent representatives and deputy permanent representatives to the United Nations (UN) from Taiwan's diplomatic allies on the morning of January 24. In addition to thanking the countries they represent for helping Taiwan expand its international space, she also expressed hope for closer relations to create a sustainable future together.
The president first welcomed the guests to Taiwan and the Presidential Office. All of them often speak up for Taiwan at the UN, she said, showing their countries' support for a democratic Taiwan. Some of them have visited, or even studied here. She said that they are all good friends of Taiwan, and she was pleased to have a chance to share ideas with them.
President Tsai stated that Taiwan's diplomatic allies help form a path for us to reach the international stage. So over the past two years, we have continued to strengthen cooperation with our allies. She has also made it a point to lead delegations to the countries represented by her guests, including the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Eswatini.
The president said that those exchanges have brought Taiwan and its diplomatic allies closer. She also hoped that this trip would further their understanding of the current state of Taiwan's political, economic, and democratization developments, as well as Taiwan's experience promoting green energy and sustainable development. Together, we can explore more potential cooperative ventures, she said.
President Tsai specially thanked the countries represented by those present for helping Taiwan to expand its international space. The Taiwanese people have long shared a common goal of participating in the UN system. She told her guests that Taiwan will not give up fighting for its international space, and that we are capable of contributing much more to the world.
The president further stated that people-to-people and trade exchanges between countries have only increased in the era of globalization. Many issues, including sustainable development, global health security, and aviation safety, require countries around the globe to work together to create robust cooperative networks. Taiwan should not be excluded, she said.
Taiwan is more than willing to build a sustainable future with our allies, she said. In areas like green energy, healthcare, agricultural technology, and resilient cities, we can promote information sharing and drive more cooperative projects to achieve Sustainable Development Goals faster.
Finally, President Tsai expressed hope that with her visitors' support, Taiwan's relationships with the countries they represent will grow closer. She then wished them a successful trip.
Included in the visiting delegation were Eswatini Permanent Representative Melusi Martin Masuku and his wife, Kiribati Deputy Permanent Representative Tukabu Tauati, Marshall Islands Deputy Permanent Representative Deborah Barker-Manase, and Tuvalu Deputy Permanent Representative Fakasoa Tealei.