Taipei, Aug. 20 (CNA) The outgoing de-facto U.S. ambassador to the Republic of China received a decoration Monday from the ROC government for his contribution to promoting substantive Taipei-Washington relations.
In a ceremony held at the Presidential Office, President Chen Shui-bian decorated Raymond Burghardt, director of the Taipei Office of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), with the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon, which symbolizes the highest honor the ROC presents to a foreign national.
President Chen said when he made a historic transit stop in New York in May, AIT Chairman Richard Bush told him that ROC-U.S. relations are now in better shape than ever. "Progress in ROC-U.S. relations is the result of concerted efforts by many people, but I think that Burghardt has played a very important role in leading the AIT Taipei Office to help upgrade bilateral ties between our two countries," Chen said.
Noting that Taipei-Washington communication channels have been working smoothly, Chen said the two countries have forged a strong mutual trust over the past years. "I'm hopeful that our substantive relationship will continue to grow in the future," he added.
For his part, Burghardt, who has been appointed new U.S. ambassador to Vietnam, said he appreciates the ROC government's recognition of his work.
Burghardt said he has seen for himself the people of Taiwan's diligence and can-do spirit during his two-year service. "I have come to learn that Taiwan is an admirable place," Burghardt said, adding that his Taipei stint has also enabled him to better understand the people of Taiwan's frustration as some people in the world have not given them the due respect they deserve.
Burghardt went on to say that relations between the United States and Taiwan are extraordinary. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, he said, the two sides have maintained a very close and important relationship. Burghardt said so long as both sides abide by their commitments, Taiwan-U.S. relations will further expand in the future.
During his tenure, both the ROC and the United States have undergone transitions of power between different political parties. In the process, Burghardt said, both sides can weather all difficulties and continue strengthening their relationship. In his view, Burghardt said these achievements should be attributed in part to President Chen's open-mindedness and friendly attitude.
Noting that few people have the opportunity to contribute to maintaining regional peace and stability, Burghardt said he feels honored to have the opportunity to carry out what he believes to be the right choice during his two-year service in Taiwan.