President Tsai attends Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2019 Spring Banquet
President Tsai Ing-wen attended the 2019 Spring Banquet held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for foreign ambassadors and representatives stationed in Taiwan on the evening of February 20 at the Grand Hotel in Taipei. In her remarks, the president thanked our important partners like the United States, Japan, and the European Union, as well as our allies, for their long-term support. She also reaffirmed that Taiwan will remain committed to the universal values of freedom and democracy, continue to uphold the spirit of "mutual assistance for mutual benefits," and work in concert with like-minded countries to contribute even more to the world.
Following is a translation of President Tsai's remarks:
I'm very pleased to wrap up the Lunar New Year holiday by attending the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spring Banquet, and celebrate this special occasion with all of you.
According to the traditional zodiac, this year is the Year of the Pig, a symbol of wealth and prosperity in Taiwanese culture. So I would like to wish you all great success and the best of luck in the new year.
With the help of all the ambassadors and representatives, Taiwan's diplomatic efforts have received much international support over the past year.
At a meeting of the World Health Organization Executive Board late last month, Eswatini, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Japan, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Solomon Islands, and the United States publicly spoke up for Taiwan.
Some countries asserted that there should be no gaps in efforts to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Many countries also emphasized Taiwan's ability to make proactive contributions to medical care and public health worldwide.
Taiwan is, indeed, willing to work in concert with like-minded countries to contribute even more to the world. On visits to our diplomatic allies in Africa and Latin America last year, I saw firsthand the fantastic results achieved in different corners of the globe by Taiwan's advanced expertise in medicine, agriculture and education.
Of course, this is a good time to share stories about this year's reigning animal—the pig. For many years, our overseas Technical Missions have replicated Taiwan's success in the pig farming industry, helping diplomatic allies like Eswatini, Nicaragua and the Solomon Islands develop new breeds adapted to local environments.
And there are many similar stories. Taiwan is not just pursuing more international space. More importantly, we are having a positive impact and making positive contributions to the world. Our spirit can be expressed in one simple phrase: Taiwan can help!
In the new year, we will uphold the principle of mutual assistance for mutual benefits in our interactions with other nations.
In Asia, Taiwan will continue to serve as a force for peace and stability. And through our New Southbound Policy, we will continue to increase trade and human resource exchanges throughout the region.
At the global level, we are committed to realizing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and implementing the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, fulfilling our obligations as a responsible member of the international community.
We want to thank the European Union, Japan, the United States, and other key partners for their support, and pledge to do our utmost to initiate more dialogue, and share our democratization experience with the rest of the world. Next month, for instance, Taiwan will host "A Civil Society Dialogue on Securing Religious Freedom in the Indo-Pacific Region," contributing to religious freedom and the development of democracy in our region.
Ambassadors, representatives, and friends from countries around the world: Taiwan's path to an advanced economy and a thriving democracy has been a long, hard road. We have never forgotten that these accomplishments should not be taken for granted, and that freedom and democracy require vigilance. We will also not forget our obligation, as a responsible member of the international community, to join in collective efforts to enhance the wellbeing of all mankind.
The new year has brought new global and regional developments. But whatever direction these developments take, Taiwan will embrace the world with open arms and sincere goodwill, resolutely uphold universal values like freedom and democracy, and remain committed to contributing to the international community.
Finally, I want to thank all the ambassadors, representatives and distinguished guests once again for your longstanding support for Taiwan. Yesterday was the Lantern Festival, and I traveled to my hometown in Pingtung, which is hosting the national Lantern Festival this year, to participate in festival activities. I invite everyone to visit Pingtung and experience the festive celebrations there.
Let me close by wishing all of you the best of health and happiness. And may Taiwan and the global community enjoy great prosperity and security in the new year. Thank you!
After her remarks, President Tsai and the guests took part in an opening ceremony followed by a sumptuous banquet. They also enjoyed dazzling dance performances reflecting the vitality of Taiwan, ringing in the new year with warm friendship and good cheer.
Attendees included Control Yuan President Chang Po-ya (張博雅) and her husband, National Security Council Secretary-General David T. Lee (李大維), Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Taiwan and Nicaraguan Ambassador to the ROC William Manuel Tapia Alemán, along with foreign diplomats stationed in Taiwan.