Good times always seem to pass so quickly. We’ll be leaving the Marshall Islands early tomorrow morning for the next stop on our trip to visit Pacific allies.
So I want to take this opportunity to specially thank President Hilda C. Heine and the Marshallese government and people for your warm hospitality. I will always remember your friendliness, and your emerald waters and blue skies.
Over the last two days, through numerous official meetings and visits, we’ve seen the long-term achievements of Taiwanese-Marshallese cooperation, and confirmed future cooperative projects that will make bilateral cooperation even more intensive and comprehensive.
Taiwan and the Marshall Islands signed memorandums of understanding regarding a Presidents' Scholarship Fund established in the names of both sitting presidents, immigration cooperation, and the prevention of human trafficking.
Thanks to continuous contributions by the governments and people in both countries, cooperation projects covering medicine, energy, agriculture, and the circular economy have continued to progress.
Promoting any project requires much effort from people who toil without fanfare or headlines, like our technical teams and alternative military service personnel. In the Marshall Islands, they are the ones promoting circular economy concepts like energy conservation and zero waste output. They have also created a "green" farm that meets economic needs and is also ecofriendly. These are the initial building blocks of sustainable development, so let’s give them a big round of applause.
I’m also very proud of the medical team from Taiwan's Shuang Ho Hospital. During yesterday's memorandum signing ceremony, the Marshallese minister of health and human services even referred to an outstanding Taiwanese nurse serving here as a "super woman," which made a deep impression on us.
Over the past few years, our medical team has accomplished a great deal in terms of providing medical care and referrals, disease prevention, and personnel training. The outstanding accomplishments of our medical and sanitation programs are wholly due to the efforts of countless medical personnel, so let’s also give them a big round of applause.
I specially invited our Taiwan embassy colleagues, and members of our technical and medical missions to attend this banquet to honor their hard work. I want to say "thank you" to those who have been working on all the preparatory work for this trip, including those serving at this evening’s banquet.
For the Marshallese people, the Taiwanese working in their country represent Taiwan. Whether they work at the embassy, as part of our technical missions, or partner with our medical teams, they are all part of the same team. We have but one purpose: To make the friendship between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands even better. The government will support you, so let's all pull together, and give our best efforts.
I would like to extend my personal invitation to President Heine, Parliament Speaker Kenneth A. Kedi, and their spouses to visit Taiwan again.
The warmth of the Marshallese people, as well as their songs, dances, and arts and crafts, all made a deep impression on me. I assure you that you will receive the warmest of welcomes in Taiwan.
Finally, please join me in a toast to the lasting friendship between Taiwan and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. I hope you all have a lovely evening.
Thank you, Marshall Islands. Thank you. Kommol tata! ("Thank you very much!" in Marshallese)