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2023-07-12
中文
President Tsai meets President-elect Santiago Peña Palacios of the Republic of Paraguay

On the morning of July 12, President Tsai Ing-wen met with President-elect Santiago Peña Palacios of the Republic of Paraguay and his wife. In remarks, President Tsai stated that 66 years ago today, Taiwan and Paraguay established official diplomatic ties, so it is especially meaningful to be able to celebrate this occasion here in Taiwan together with Paraguay's incoming president. The president stated that she looks forward to Taiwan and Paraguay standing together on the frontline of democracy and freedom, contributing to global peace, stability, and development. She also expressed hope that our two countries' joint efforts will foster further cooperation between our peoples.

A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows:

On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I want to begin by welcoming President-elect Peña, his wife, and the visiting delegation. After Paraguay's presidential election in May this year, I spoke with the president-elect via conference call, and today I'm delighted to meet in person to exchange ideas.

After I took office in 2016, my first state visit was to Paraguay. Now, President-elect Peña is visiting Taiwan on his first trip to the Asia-Pacific region after being elected, demonstrating the friendship between our two countries. I want to thank President-elect Peña for the importance he places on Taiwan and for offering his support. Sixty-six years ago today, Taiwan and Paraguay established official diplomatic ties, so it is especially meaningful to be able to celebrate this occasion here in Taiwan together with Paraguay's incoming president.

When I last visited Paraguay, President-elect Peña was a member of the cabinet, so I am sure he is familiar with and understands the bilateral cooperation and exchanges between our two countries. Over the past few years Taiwan and Paraguay have continuously deepened our partnership, whether in medicine, women's empowerment, or corporate development.

This is especially true in the field of education. Through programs and projects including the Taiwan Scholarship and Taiwan-Paraguay Polytechnic University (UPTP), over 300 Paraguayan scholarship recipients are now studying in Taiwan. The first cohort of UPTP students will graduate on the 31st of this month. After returning to Paraguay, these students will serve as ideal linkages between our countries.

We are also helping Taiwanese and Paraguayan firms to continue exploring business opportunities. Last year in July and September we organized trade missions to Paraguay, and I'm sure that Taiwan and Paraguay will have more opportunities to enhance cooperation in industries including electric vehicles, food processing, and textiles.

Over the past few years Taiwan and Paraguay have supported each other, overcoming the challenges of the pandemic together and confronting expanding authoritarianism. We also look forward to Taiwan and Paraguay standing together on the frontline of democracy and freedom, contributing to global peace, stability, and development.

This delegation, led by President-elect Peña and his wife, represents the beginning of a new chapter in our bilateral cooperation. I am sure that President-elect Peña, visiting Taiwan again after 24 years, will notice many changes.

I am delighted to welcome all of our distinguished visitors and hope you have the chance to get to know Taiwan better. I hope that our joint efforts will foster further cooperation between our peoples. I wish you all a smooth and successful visit.

President-elect Peña then delivered remarks, saying that he was pleased to be able to bring the sincerest wishes from the Republic of Paraguay's people to Taiwan. He noted that it is no coincidence that he is visiting Taiwan, and especially since he is visiting just five weeks before taking office, his primary purpose is to express profound thanks to President Tsai and the people of Taiwan. He thanked Taiwan for its many years of sharing its impressive experience in national development, and conveyed to the world that we absolutely will not compromise our values or our shared ideals and goals. 

President-elect Peña recalled that he first visited Taiwan in 1999 as a student to learn how to guide the development of small- and medium-sized enterprises. Now, visiting as president-elect 24 years later, he said his admiration for Taiwan has deepened rather than diminished. Noting the historical similarities between Taiwan and Paraguay, with both countries having faced tremendous challenges and difficulties, he said that Taiwan's efforts to share its impressive experiences made Paraguayans believe that their future can, like Taiwan, be full of opportunities, and that Paraguay can become a great nation.

The president-elect said that on this day of July 12, 2023, the 66th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Paraguay, the delegation members feel even more determined to redouble their efforts to forge even closer bilateral ties.

Noting that Paraguay was once a great country that now hopes to restore that greatness, President-elect Peña said that a war against the triple alliance of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay long ago led to more than 150 years of developmental stagnation in Paraguay, as well as the loss of 60 percent of its territory and almost 90 percent of its male population. He expressed hope that in the future Paraguay can make significant progress toward eradicating poverty, contribute more to the international community, and have greater global visibility.

President-elect Peña also stated that on April 30, Paraguay's ruling Colorado Party won the presidency with a record-high level of support and a majority of seats in both the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, as well as most of the country's department governorships. He expressed his belief that Paraguay cannot deny its own past and can never forget the countries that provided assistance during difficult times.

Looking back on his previous work experience, the president-elect stated that Taiwan has been a constant presence. He mentioned that at the age of 21 when he worked in government finance and Paraguay could not provide financing for its citizens, Taiwan provided assistance. When Paraguay issued its first government bonds, he noted that Taiwan was the only country to purchase them, and in 2016 when he was the Minister of Finance, the last of the government bonds were redeemed. For all this, he said, he was very thankful for Taiwan's assistance.

President-elect Peña stated that Paraguay has the best credit rating in Latin America, a highly rated investment environment, and boasts among the best overall economic conditions in Latin America or anywhere in the world. He added that Paraguay has a low inflation rate and little national debt, and that his country continues to pursue national development and public sector investment, but that there are still many challenges that need to be addressed.

President-elect Peña emphasized that his incoming administration is determined to eliminate poverty because, in a country with highly developed agriculture and plentiful agricultural products, it makes absolutely no sense that people should be living under the poverty line. He said he hopes to provide adults and young people with better medical care, education, and career development opportunities, just as Taiwan has been able to do in the past. This, he said, is the best way to achieve national development and prosperity.

President-elect Peña added that he hopes to create 500,000 job opportunities over the next five years through both domestic and foreign investments, and that he intends to ensure that dignified residential justice can be achieved for every citizen. He thanked the government of Taiwan for helping Paraguay to promote public housing projects over the past few years, and noted that the construction of these projects has created many job opportunities.

President-elect Peña mentioned that President Tsai's first overseas state visit after taking office was to Paraguay, and that during her time in office she has provided a great deal of assistance to the people of Paraguay. Besides expressing the deepest gratitude of the Paraguayan people, he reiterated that over the next five years he will stand with the Republic of China (Taiwan), which is both his personal promise and a firm pledge from the people of Paraguay.

President-elect Peña expressed hope that relations between our two countries can reach a new level of closeness and development, and said he would do everything in his power to familiarize Taiwanese companies with his country and encourage them to invest there. This course of action, he said, will not be for diplomatic or political purposes, but is purely for the sake of mutually beneficial trade collaboration and to create win-win situations.

The delegation also included incoming officials Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, Presidential Chief Secretary Lea Giménez Duarte, Finance Minister Carlos Fernández Valdovinos, and Industry Minister Francisco Javier Giménez García de Zúñiga.

President Tsai Ing-wen meets with President-elect Santiago Peña Palacios of the Republic of Paraguay and his wife.
President Tsai delivers remarks.
President Tsai exchanges views with President-elect Santiago Peña Palacios of the Republic of Paraguay.
President Tsai poses for a photo with President-elect Santiago Peña Palacios of the Republic of Paraguay and his wife.
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President Lai receives credentials from new Belize Ambassador Katherine Vanessa Meighan
On the afternoon of September 12, President Lai Ching-te received the credentials of new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belize to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Katherine Vanessa Meighan. In remarks, President Lai expressed hope that with Ambassador Meighan’s experience and vision, our two countries will achieve further progress in such areas as educational exchanges, gender equality, and economic and trade cooperation, reaching new milestones in our bilateral ties. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I extend my sincerest welcome. Ambassador Meighan is a dear and longstanding friend of Taiwan. She is a distinguished alumna of National Chengchi University, and since completing her studies, she has contributed greatly to Belize’s business community. Her leadership as president of the Rotary Club of Belize and the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry has earned her high regard. In recent years, Ambassador Meighan has engaged closely with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Belize. In addition to regularly participating in embassy events, she has also hosted numerous trade and investment missions from Taiwan, making considerable contributions to the advancement of economic and trade exchanges between our two nations. Ambassador Meighan has also long endeavored to enhance women’s empowerment and promote the development of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises. These goals align closely with Taiwan’s policy direction. I firmly believe that, with Ambassador Meighan’s experience and vision, our two countries will achieve further progress in such areas as educational exchanges, gender equality, and economic and trade cooperation. Next month, we will mark 36 years of diplomatic relations between our nations. We are delighted to have seen significant growth in economic and trade exchanges since the implementation of the Taiwan-Belize Economic Cooperation Agreement. In July, Taiwan also announced the opening of its market to imports of frozen whiteleg shrimp from Belize. I am confident that, through joint efforts, our economic, trade, and investment ties will continue to strengthen. I have met and engaged with Prime Minister John Briceño on several occasions and greatly admire his leadership and vision. I look forward to the opportunity to visit Belize and witness firsthand the results of our nations’ collaboration across all domains. In closing, I once again extend a warm welcome to Ambassador Meighan. Her return to Taiwan for this post demonstrates the value the Belizean government places upon the diplomatic alliance between our countries. I firmly believe that going forward, we can work hand in hand to usher in new developments, new achievements, and new milestones in our bilateral ties.  Ambassador Meighan then delivered remarks, saying that her pursuit of higher learning in Taiwan 20 years ago reminds her that education is a gift that multiplies opportunities for communities and nations. She added that she is grateful for the continued partnership that Taiwan extends to Belize and Caribbean and Latin American nations, a partnership grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and steadfast commitment to development and human potential. Ambassador Meighan indicated that our bilateral relationship stands as a testament of principled democracy: purposeful, resilient, and anchored in democratic ideals. Taiwan’s investments in Belize, such as those in education, health, infrastructure, and technology, she said, have not only advanced our nations’ development goals, but have strengthened the fabric of our people-to-people ties. The ambassador then stated that her return as Belize’s representative is a renewal of that trust and a pledge to deepen collaboration, adding that she is committed to broadening cooperation beyond policy to the cultural and educational exchanges that nurture understanding and friendship.  Ambassador Meighan affirmed Belize’s unwavering support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international fora, stating that she invites continued dialogue on how we can translate these shared values into tangible benefits for our families, our businesses, and our nations. The ambassador expressed hope that the friendship between Belize and Taiwan will continue to stand as a beacon, showing that principled collaboration, mutual respect, and enduring goodwill can propel our nations toward a future of peace, prosperity, and shared purpose for generations to come. She then thanked President Lai for his leadership and the enduring friendship between our countries, also expressing hope that together, we can nurture a world in which nations rise by lifting one another up, and where the ties that bind Belize and Taiwan serve as a model for a more cooperative and harmonious global community.  
中文
2025-09-12
President Lai receives credentials from new Paraguay Ambassador Darío Filártiga Ruiz Díaz
On the morning of September 12, President Lai Ching-te received the credentials of new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Paraguay to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Darío Filártiga Ruiz Díaz. In remarks, President Lai welcomed the ambassador to his new post in Taiwan, noting it marks a new chapter in bilateral relations between Taiwan and Paraguay. The president also emphasized that our two countries have strong bonds and engage in close cooperation in democratic values, economic collaboration, education and culture, as well as social welfare and people’s livelihoods. He expressed hope for renewed momentum in our prosperous partnership, resulting in even more fruitful cooperation and mutual benefits. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I sincerely welcome Ambassador Filártiga to his new post in Taiwan. He has not only been entrusted with this important mission by President Santiago Peña Palacios, but has also received strong bipartisan support from the Paraguayan Senate. This demonstrates the importance that Paraguay attaches to the friendship between our two countries. I am confident that the ambassador’s assignment will mark a new chapter in our bilateral relations. Ambassador Filártiga has longstanding ties with Taiwan. He previously served as a ministerial political advisor to former President Horacio Cartes and accompanied him on three visits to Taiwan. Ambassador Filártiga is also highly knowledgeable in regional affairs. Given his outstanding abilities, I am confident that our bilateral cooperation and friendship will stand as a model for the world. Taiwan and Paraguay are like two beacons of democracy on opposite ends of the globe, illuminating each other. Our two countries have strong bonds and engage in close cooperation in democratic values, economic collaboration, education and culture, as well as social welfare and people’s livelihoods. In education, we jointly established the Taiwan-Paraguay Polytechnic University, which trains professionals in fields like electrical engineering and information technology, providing Paraguay with a stronger foundation for developing its high-tech industries. As for economic and trade cooperation, bilateral trade has accelerated since the Taiwan-Paraguay economic cooperation agreement entered into force in 2018. Taiwan has become an important export market for Paraguayan pork, beef, and sesame, mutually benefiting both countries. Additionally, joint initiatives like the Taiwan-Paraguay Smart Technology Park, our electric bus pilot program, and the Health Information Management Efficiency Enhancement Project have significantly enhanced the quality of life of citizens and are the fruits of our dedicated, long-term collaboration. Once again, I congratulate Ambassador Filártiga on his new assignment and look forward to his service bringing renewed momentum to our prosperous partnership, resulting in even more fruitful cooperation and mutual benefits. I hope to continue working side by side to contribute more to democracy, peace, and prosperity around the world. Ambassador Filártiga then delivered remarks, saying it is an honor to be appointed ambassador of Paraguay to Taiwan, as it carries the expectations and responsibilities of his country, government, people, and family. He noted that the appointment also recognizes his years of dedicated work in fostering Taiwan-Paraguay relations. He extended the regards and greetings of President Peña and former President Cartes, adding that President Peña looks forward to President Lai’s next official visit to Paraguay. Ambassador Filártiga noted that the government of Paraguay aims to strengthen bilateral relations with its allies, and that the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the United States are key partners in jointly addressing important challenges. He said that Taiwan is an important ally and economic partner of Paraguay, as it plays a crucial role in high-tech industries and global development, and occupies a leading position in the semiconductor sector. He also highly commended Taiwan’s quality higher education system and its commitment and achievements in sustainable economic development. 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中文
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President Lai receives credentials from new Haiti Ambassador Roudy Stanley Penn  
On the morning of September 9, President Lai Ching-te received the credentials of new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Haiti to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Roudy Stanley Penn. In remarks, President Lai welcomed the ambassador to his new post and thanked the government of Haiti for its longstanding support and advocacy for Taiwan. The president also stated that joint efforts between our two countries have produced increasingly fruitful results across a range of collaborative initiatives. He expressed hope that we will continue to deepen our friendship, building on the strong existing foundation of our cooperation. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: It is a great pleasure to receive the credentials of Ambassador Penn. Next April marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. On behalf of the government and all people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I sincerely welcome Ambassador Penn back to Taiwan as we celebrate this milestone together. Ambassador Penn is a young and promising leader with extensive experience in the public and private sectors. He showed exceptional capability during his first term as ambassador to Taiwan. His reappointment reflects the Haitian government’s recognition of his service and its commitment to the bilateral relationship between our countries. With Ambassador Penn’s assistance, I believe that Taiwan and Haiti will continue to deepen our cooperation in various fields. When I met with Ambassador Penn at the Presidential Office last May, he noted that Taiwan and Haiti’s cooperation in agriculture, energy, culture, and technology has brought substantial benefits to our peoples, demonstrating the importance of our bilateral partnership. As Ambassador Penn said, our joint efforts have increasingly produced fruitful results and deepened our friendship. Initiatives including the introduction of solar-powered irrigation pumps, the Rice Production Enhancement Project, and the Vegetable and Fruit Cultivation Development Project have laid the groundwork for lasting food security in Haiti. Furthermore, Taiwan has significantly increased the number of scholarships available to Haitian students this year, hoping to foster even more talent and promote student exchanges between our countries. I want to thank the government of Haiti for its longstanding support and unwavering advocacy for Taiwan. This year, Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health and Population voiced support for Taiwan at the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Executive Board meeting and the World Health Assembly. Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste, who visited Taiwan two months ago, also sent a letter to the director-general of the WHO on Taiwan’s behalf, reflecting the spirit of true friendship. Once again, I sincerely welcome Ambassador Penn and wish him all the best in his work. I hope that Taiwan and Haiti will continue to deepen our friendship, building on the strong existing foundation of our cooperation, as well as our bonds of mutual trust and respect. Ambassador Penn then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great honor to present President Lai with his credentials and extending greetings on behalf of the Transitional Presidential Council, the government, and the people of Haiti. He also noted that it is an honor to once again serve as the ambassador of Haiti to Taiwan, and expressed his deep admiration for Taiwan’s journey, history, and bold aspiration. Ambassador Penn reiterated the Haitian government’s strong determination to strengthen and develop friendly and cooperative relations between our two countries. He affirmed that through joint cooperation, bilateral ties can reach new heights and mutually benefit our peoples. Ambassador Penn noted that next year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Haiti and Taiwan, presenting an excellent opportunity to give renewed momentum to bilateral cooperation and strengthen friendly ties. He expressed hope to work with President Lai and the government of Taiwan to further deepen the friendship between our two countries’ peoples.  
中文
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中文
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President Lai meets delegation from University of Tokyo cross-strait relations research group
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中文
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President Lai delivers remarks on US reciprocal tariff policy response
On the morning of August 1, President Lai Ching-te delivered remarks at the Presidential Office on the response to the reciprocal tariff policy of the United States. President Lai explained that technical consultations with the US are finished, but as the final concluding meeting has not yet taken place, 20 percent has been set for Taiwan as an interim tariff rate. The president said that Taiwan will work towards a more favorable and reasonable rate in the subsequent negotiations, and that the US has expressed its willingness to continue talks. He added that a support plan for Taiwan’s export supply chain in response to US tariffs has been proposed to assist small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in responding to the US tariff policy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Earlier today, the US government informed our lead negotiator, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君), that an interim tariff rate for Taiwan has been set at 20 percent. Since April 2, when the US introduced its new tariff policy targeting countries worldwide, Taiwan has actively engaged in four in-person rounds of negotiation and multiple discussions over videoconference with the US government. Throughout the process, both sides have negotiated in good faith based on the shared goal of addressing the trade deficit between Taiwan and the US and creating complementary and mutually beneficial outcomes. Although we have achieved an interim reduction in the tariff rate from 32 percent to 20 percent at this point in the negotiations, 20 percent was never our goal. We hope to work towards a more favorable and reasonable rate for Taiwan in the subsequent negotiations, and the US has expressed its willingness to continue talks. We have finished technical consultations, but as the final concluding meeting has not yet taken place, a final tariff rate has not yet been reached. This is the reason for the setting of an interim tariff rate. I extend my sincere gratitude to Vice Premier Cheng and Minister without Portfolio of the Executive Yuan Yang Jen-ni (楊珍妮) for working tirelessly over the past few months leading the negotiation team, remaining on call whether in Taiwan or the US. From here in Taiwan I, along with Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), and Secretary-General Pan Men-an (潘孟安), have also provided full support to our negotiating team in the US. Regardless of the final tariff rate, Taiwan’s industries will inevitably be impacted. I am deeply grateful to Premier Cho for proposing on April 4 a support plan for Taiwan’s export supply chain in response to US tariffs, and for holding over 20 industry consultation sessions. The special budget has also been increased from NT$88 billion to NT$93 billion. This special act has already been submitted to the Legislative Yuan and passed review. I hope that the Executive Yuan will promptly submit the budget request for legislative review so that the special budget can be implemented as soon as possible to assist SMEs in responding to this new US tariff policy.
中文