We are really grateful to Senator [Cory] Gardner for suggesting that we stop over in Denver on my overseas trip, and it has been a totally new experience for me. On previous trips, my delegations transited in the United States on either the East or West Coast. The choice to stop over in Denver this time allows me to get a feel for the state of bilateral cooperation in the Mountain West in areas like business, science, and technology.
Earlier this morning, I saw that scientific research in Colorado, especially atmospheric and climate research, is highly advanced, and many veteran scientists from Taiwan are leading a lot of research projects there.
Today, we've gotten a feel for what the Mountain West is like, and have developed a better understanding of the multi-layered nature of Taiwan's ties with the United States. These ties are not exclusively with the federal government and the East and West Coasts. In the Mountain West, as well, we have seen signs that people from Taiwan are active here. We've found Taiwan and the United States undertaking cooperation projects here. We've learned about a lot of bilateral business ties in this region. I want to thank Senator Gardner once again for suggesting that I come to the Mountain West and stopover in Denver.