Tsai congratulates Trump, Pence on inauguration

2017/01/24

Republic of China (Taiwan) President Tsai Ing-wen congratulated on behalf of the people of Taiwan U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on their inauguration in Washington, D.C., according to the Office of the President Jan. 21.
 
 The U.S. is Taiwan’s most important ally, with both sides sharing the values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights, Tsai said. Longstanding cooperation in such areas as politics, economics, security and culture has forged firm friendships between the people, and is contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
 
 According to the president, she looks forward to the further development of already strong Taiwan-U.S. relations under the Trump administration for the benefit of both sides and the international community.
 
 In addition, Tsai personally congratulated Trump and Pence in English via her official Twitter account. “Democracy is what ties Taiwan and the US together. Look forward to advancing our friendship & partnership,” she tweeted.
 
 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also offered its sincere congratulations on behalf of the government to Trump and Pence in a statement issued the same day. Taiwan and the U.S. enjoy close relations and are cooperating based on the principles of mutual trust, reciprocity and mutual benefits, the MOFA said, adding that the government hopes to work with the Trump administration.
 
 According to the ministry, Taiwan is represented at the Jan. 20 inauguration by an 11-member cross-party delegation led by former Premier Yu Shyi-kun. The delegation attended the event in response to the goodwill demonstrated by the U.S. in sending a group to Tsai’s inauguration May 20, 2016, in Taipei City.
 
 The delegation, which is expected to return Jan. 23 to Taiwan, is also meeting with U.S. politicians, think tank representatives and Taiwan expatriates with the goal of enhancing bilateral ties and strengthening exchanges.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=2&post=110653)