It is a great pleasure for my wife and I to be attending the Spring Festival this evening at the Grand Hotel, to join your host, Foreign Minister Eugene Chien in honoring you, the ambassadors and representatives to the Republic of China (Taiwan). The special music and dance performances, which we have just been enjoying, are a lovely reminder that spring is in the air. That exciting feeling reflects the vitality of our country. It is truly inspirational to experience this new and dynamic spirit in Taiwan.
Tonight, we salute you, and your spouses, for the strenuous efforts you have made in promoting friendship and cooperation between your respective countries and the Republic of China (Taiwan).
The theme of tonight's dinner party is "New Year's Joy." The menu features delicacies made from choice produce grown in various nurseries of the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute around the island, representing people of different ethnic origins and cultures living together in peace and harmony. One of the goals of my administration is to enable Taiwan's diverse ethnic groups to open their minds and hearts, so that, together, we can build understanding through mutual respect, tolerance and appreciation. Only by doing so can Taiwan continue to grow and prosper.
This past year, the world has seen tremendous hardships. The challenge of global economic recovery remains far from over. Many countries have faced the devastation of natural, as well as man-made, disaster. In particular, the terrorist attacks of September 11 have dealt a harrowing blow to all of humanity. But, at the same time, these calamities serve to inspire us to cherish what we have and, remind us that despite inevitable differences, people must learn to appreciate and tolerate each other. We must replace confrontation with cooperation, and, diffuse conflict with reason.
As optimistically predicted by many economists, the world economy is showing signs of gradual recovery and many of the world's economies are expected to pick up soon. We have great confidence in the upcoming New Year.
Ladies and gentlemen let us be bearers of hope for a brighter future. Let us work together to ensure progress and stability in the world. The people of Taiwan wish to get along peacefully with Mainland China and to be able to live in stability and safety. I have repeatedly announced--and let me reiterate again--that I am willing to dialogue with Mr. Jiang Zemin on a new framework for cross-strait peace. We sincerely hope that Beijing will seriously take into account the Taiwanese people's aspiration for democracy and peace, and seize the opportunity for cross-strait dialogue and pragmatic reconciliation. By doing so, the two sides can bring an end to confrontation and restore a peaceful environment for their peoples and future generations. We strongly believe that the Republic of China (Taiwan) will not stand alone among the international community, so long as we walk the right path of history with steadfast confidence and determination--always seeking to promote the universal values of democracy, human rights, freedom and peace.
In closing, on behalf of my administration and people of Taiwan, I would like to wish you, and the countries and peoples which you represent, an early Happy Lunar New Year. Now, may I invite you all to join me in a toast, to everlasting friendship and prosperity and to a very Happy New Year for all. Best wishes to all of you.
Thank you.