Hafa Adai! ("Hello" in Guam's native Chamorro language) It's great to be here in Guam. I'm grateful that we have the opportunity to transit here, following the visit to our diplomatic allies in the Pacific Islands. We have many friends in Guam, including Lieutenant Governor Ray Tenorio—I didn't know that you know so many people in our Taiwanese community here— Speaker Benjamin Cruz of the Guam Legislature, President Robert Underwood of the University of Guam, and the senators of the Guam Legislature.
There's another person who is very special to us and unfortunately could not make it here. I think all of you know her well. That is Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, who has been a tireless advocate of the friendship between Taiwan and the US in Congress. I've had the pleasure of meeting her many times in the past, and I hope you can convey my greetings to her once she comes home.
Taiwan and Guam share a very unique friendship. You are one of the closest parts of the United States to Taiwan and over the years, tourism, trade, and investment have been growing. Your governors – including Governor Calvo just last week – have consistently visited Taiwan to deepen those ties and find new opportunities in our bilateral relationship.
The people of Taiwan are also grateful for Guam's support for our international space. We have seen successive resolutions passed by the legislators here to request Taiwan's participation in international organizations where we can make a difference, such as ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) and the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). Those resolutions show that the people of Guam stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Taiwan.
Being here in Guam today has given us the opportunity to reaffirm our longstanding friendship and partnership. It has given me the opportunity to see why tens of thousands of Taiwanese people travel here each year. I wish to convey my appreciation to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) for facilitating this transit in Guam. And I hope everyone has a lovely evening.
This visit to our diplomatic allies in the Pacific, built around the theme "Sustainable Austronesia, Working Together for a Better Future—2017 State Visits to Pacific Allies," will end in Guam. We're heading back to Taipei early tomorrow morning.
Over the last seven days, we’ve visited three of our Pacific diplomatic allies. Our schedule was packed, and quite difficult. But since this is my third trip abroad, I think the delegation members, staff, and security personnel have all developed good stamina. Nevertheless, I still want to say "thank you". Thank you for all of your hard work.
When I arrived at the hotel this afternoon, many overseas Taiwanese were waiting at the entrance to welcome me. Did anyone here now greet me at the entrance? Please raise your hands. Thanks for coming out.
Thank you, and thanks to all the Taiwanese expatriates who are devoted and concerned about our country, and thanks for your support for me and Taiwan.
Dr. Chen Kuang-ming (陳光明), who’s here this evening, is one of the first Taiwanese immigrants to Guam. He’s also a well-respected leader of the overseas Taiwanese community.
Since arriving in Guam in the 1960s Dr. Chen has been devoted to medical work, helping Guamanians overcome many neurological disorders, and becoming a legend for young people interested in island healthcare.
On this visit to three of Taiwan's Pacific diplomatic allies, I saw many young people who are like Dr. Chen back in the 1960s. Filled with passion, they leave their own country to contribute their youth and expertise to people living in remote island countries.
I really admire young people who have dedicated themselves to education, agriculture, or—like Dr. Chen—to healthcare. During this trip, I’ve seen how much local governments and citizens appreciate and respect them.
In foreign countries, they represent Taiwan in the eyes of the people of our diplomatic allies. I can't thank them more for their efforts and hard work.
Education, healthcare, and agriculture are three of Taiwan's strengths that the nation can be proud of, and are also strengths most suitable for export to our diplomatic allies. The efforts of overseas volunteers, technical missions, medical missions, and Taiwanese expatriates help the world to see Taiwan.
On behalf of Taiwan’s 23 million people, I want to thank all of you, and hope you’ll continue to support us as we face challenges and promote reforms so that the nation can continue to make progress.
I just listened to a briefing by Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAO) Commissioner Huang Ching-chia (黃進佳) about local overseas Taiwanese affairs. I didn’t know there were so many Taiwanese here doing important things, and the influence they have on the local economy and society. I want to thank you for your long-term efforts in Guam, helping people here to see, experience, and respect Taiwan.
Finally, I want to ask my countrymen, guests, and dear friends in Guam, as well as all the delegation members, to join me in a toast to our beloved Taiwan. And may one and all enjoy good health, happiness, and success. Cheers! Thank you!