President Tsai meets Nicaraguan Ambassador Tapia
While meeting with Nicaraguan Ambassador William Manuel Tapia Alemán on the morning of August 6, President Tsai Ing-wen thanked the ambassador on behalf of the people of Taiwan for his tireless efforts to strengthen the friendly ties between Taiwan and Nicaragua. As Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Taiwan for the past few years, Ambassador Tapia has always been an active participant in exchange events involving Taiwan, as well as other foreign missions. President Tsai expressed hope Ambassador Tapia will have a chance to return to Taiwan, and bring other foreign friends along for a visit to experience the warmth and friendliness of our people. She also told Ambassador Tapia that Taiwan is truly his second home.
A translation of the president's remarks follows:
I would like to start by thanking Ambassador Tapia on behalf of the people of Taiwan for his tireless efforts to strengthen the friendly ties between our countries, and express my best wishes. Ambassador Tapia and Taiwan share a deep connection. He came to Taiwan in 1963 as part of the very first group of Nicaraguan scholarship students, and returned with a wealth of experience to serve as ambassador to Taiwan in 2008.
During his 12 years of service, Ambassador Tapia held frequent arts and cultural activities that helped Taiwanese get to know more about Nicaraguan culture. He also promoted cooperative exchanges in trade, healthcare, agriculture and technology.
Nicaraguan coffee is now well-known in Taiwan, and products like Nicaraguan beef and whiteleg shrimp are also quite popular. Last year our bilateral trade reached 140 million US dollars, a new high, a direct result of Ambassador Tapia’s strengthening of Taiwan-Nicaragua relations.
As Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Taiwan for the past few years, Ambassador Tapia has always been an active participant in exchange events involving Taiwan, as well as other foreign missions. We often meet at many events, and I can see his dedication to his work, and feel his support as our diplomatic ally.
Whenever Taiwan has faced serious diplomatic challenges, Ambassador Tapia has spoken up for us and supported us with action. He also warmed the hearts of people throughout Taiwan when he said: “Taiwan is not alone. We stand together with you”.
Ambassador Tapia is an important friend to Taiwan, and a model spokesperson for us in Nicaragua. I sincerely hope you will have a chance to return to Taiwan, and bring other foreign friends along for a visit, to experience the warmth and friendliness of our people, and visit your old friends. Taiwan is truly your second home.
To close, I would like to once again thank Ambassador Tapia for his contributions to Taiwan-Nicaragua relations. Please send our best wishes to President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo. Ambassador, we wish you well in your new posting. Thank you.