In a few minutes, we’ll be departing for our allies in Oceania—Palau, Nauru, and the Marshall Islands. We’ll also be making a transit stop in Hawaii on this eight-day, seven-night "Oceans of Democracy" series of state visits.
We have three major tasks on this trip.
Our first task is international cooperation. The ocean and democracy are our common denominators with these allies, and agriculture, healthcare, and technology are Taiwan's strengths. And in terms of learning more about sustainable development issues, and gaining support for our participation in international organizations and activities, our allies can help us.
Our second task is international participation. On my state visits to Palau and Nauru, I will gain a first-hand understanding of their efforts and contributions to global sustainable development issues, giving us examples to emulate.
I was also invited to address this year's Pacific Women Leaders' Coalition Conference, hosted by the Marshall Islands, where I will also discuss issues with leaders from the Pacific region attending the conference.
Our third task is to make Taiwan's efforts more visible. I want my fellow citizens to know that in the remote corners of the Pacific, no matter how far from home, our Taiwanese diplomats, technicians, medical personnel, businesspeople, and people in other fields are working hard and giving of themselves.
This is a presidential election year, and many people are thinking about political developments. But I'm more than just a candidate; I'm Taiwan's president. As president, it’s my duty to keep our government running smoothly, and ensure that our country is moving forward on the right path, so that Taiwan can continue to shine on the world stage. And I’m determined to do just that.