President Tsai meets AIT Taipei Office Director Brent Christensen
President Tsai Ing-wen met with departing American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Taipei Office Director Brent Christensen at her official residence on the afternoon of July 9, and expressed gratitude for his contributions to Taiwan-US relations during his tenure.
President Tsai thanked Director Christensen for helping to facilitate important progress, including the US government's providing Taiwan with 2.5 million vaccine doses and the resumption of Taiwan-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement talks, achievements that reflect both countries' longstanding dedication to promoting bilateral ties.
Saying that we were very fortunate to have Director Christensen with us at many key moments over the past three years, President Tsai wished him well, thanked him on behalf of the people of Taiwan for his assistance during difficult times, and expressed hope that the Taiwan-US partnership will continue to grow and thrive.
During their cordial meeting, the two exchanged views on Taiwan's pandemic response, vaccine procurement, cybersecurity, economic and trade cooperation, and regional security.
President Tsai also presented Director Christensen with a tableware set from Adisi Pottery, established in Taitung County by a member of the indigenous Paiwan tribe, as a token of their friendship, and welcomed him to come back to Taiwan at any time to visit old friends.
Director Christensen was accompanied to the presidential residence by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮). Also in attendance was National Security Council Secretary-General Wellington Koo (顧立雄).