President Tsai meets 2020-21 Rotary International President Holger Knaack
President Tsai Ing-wen met on the morning of August 13 with Mr. Holger Knaack, president of Rotary International for the year 2020-21, Mrs. Knaack, and the 2021 Rotary International Convention delegation. The president welcomed the decision to hold the 2021 Rotary International Convention in Taipei, and said that the government will certainly do its best to provide assistance. She also expressed hope that the convention will give Rotarians a chance to experience Taiwan's diverse culture, enjoy some of the world's best cuisine, and experience the warmth and friendliness of Taiwan's people.
A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows:
I would like to welcome Rotary International President-elect Knaack and Mrs. Knaack to Taiwan. I also want to congratulate Mr. Knaack on being elected as President of Rotary International from July 2020 to July 2021, Rotary International's first German president.
Under President-elect Knaack's leadership, I am sure that Rotary International will continue its long-standing spirit of service, and dedication to changing the world for the better.
I also want to thank former President Gary Huang (黃其光). He was the first Taiwanese President of Rotary International, and was instrumental in Taipei City being selected to host the 2021 Rotary International Convention.
The 2021 event will be attended by over 40,000 Rotarians from more than 100 different countries. And we will welcome you with open arms.
I also hope that the annual convention will give Rotarians a chance to experience Taiwan's diverse culture, and enjoy some of the world's best cuisine. I am sure the Rotarians will all experience the warmth and friendliness of Taiwan's people, and feel right at home.
As Convention Chairman Jackson S.L. Hsieh (謝三連 ) prepares for the big event, the government will certainly do its best to provide assistance to ensure a successful convention. But as the Rotary Club's mission statement says: The most important thing is to increase international understanding, goodwill, and peace through global friendships.
Taiwan is a key member of the Rotary International family, with many Rotarians who are dedicated to service. Taiwanese will continue to uphold the Rotary spirit, so that together, we can contribute to sustainable development around the world.
In closing, once again I would like to welcome President-elect and Mrs. Knaack to Taiwan. We look forward to the international convention two years from now. I also hope that you have a very rewarding visit, and the preparations for 2021 are successful.
The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Deputy Foreign Minister Hsu Szu-chien (徐斯儉). Also attending the meeting was National Security Council Secretary-General David T. Lee (李大維) and National Policy Advisor Chen Mao-ren (陳茂仁).