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On the morning of June 26, President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation led by Susana Martinez, Governor of the State of New Mexico (US). In addition to thanking New Mexico for supporting Taiwan's international participation, the president also expressed hope that Taiwan and New Mexico can enhance energy policy and trade cooperation in the future.
In remarks, President Tsai stated that this visit by Governor Martinez and her delegation marks the first time a New Mexico governor has visited Taiwan in 25 years. So on behalf of the people of Taiwan, the president extended a warm welcome to Governor Martinez and all the delegation members.
Taiwan-US relations have warmed over the past two years, the president noted, and Taiwan has interacted with US state governments more often. She was delighted, she said, to meet and talk with Governor Martinez in Taiwan.
President Tsai noted that Governor Martinez is New Mexico's first female governor, and the first Hispanic female governor in US history. TIME magazine once named Governor Martinez one of the 100 Most Influential People in the world. And since becoming governor, she has cleaned up state government finances, and actively promoted the renewable energy sector.
The president mentioned that as a result of Governor Martinez's energy policy, in the first two months of this year renewable energy accounted for 30% of all electricity generated in New Mexico.
President Tsai emphasized that New Mexico is also rich in natural resources like natural gas and minerals. She then said she believes that Taiwan and New Mexico can enhance energy policy and trade cooperation in the future.
The president also took the opportunity to thank the New Mexico State Senate and House of Representatives for passing several Taiwan-friendly resolutions. Those resolutions, she said, reaffirm the importance of the Taiwan-New Mexico partnership, and the state's commitment to supporting Taiwan's international participation.
With tremendous support from Governor Martinez and the State Legislature, President Tsai pointed out, New Mexico is about to become the 26th US state to sign a driver's license reciprocity agreement with Taiwan, reinforcing the bilateral friendship.
In closing, the president said she's pleased that Governor Martinez has come to Taiwan to sign that agreement in person, and witness this moment. We also hope that this visit will help the governor get to know Taiwan better, and help the two sides continue to expand exchanges and promote mutual development, the president said.
