President Tsai thanks outgoing ambassador for strengthening Taiwan-Nicaragua ties

2020/08/10

President Tsai Ing-wen said Aug. 6 that the government and people sincerely appreciate the efforts of outgoing Ambassador William Manuel Tapia Aleman to strengthen Taiwan-Nicaragua relations during his 12-year term as the Central American ally’s Taipei City-based representative.
 
 Tapia tirelessly took part in activities and events as ambassador and dean of the Taiwan Diplomatic Corps, Tsai said. He also consistently voiced support for the country and its participation in international organizations on behalf of Nicaragua, she added.
 
 According to Tsai, Tapia will long be remembered for his remark “Taiwan is not alone. We stand together with you.” made during Central American Independence Day celebration last September in Taipei. The ambassador earned a special place in the hearts of the people and can consider the country his second home, she said.
 
 Tapia left no stone unturned in promoting cooperation and exchanges spanning such areas as the arts, agriculture, culture, economy, health care and technology, Tsai said. This commitment is evidenced by bilateral trade hitting a new high US$140 million last year, as well as increased access for Taiwan consumers to high-quality beef, coffee and whiteleg shrimp from Nicaragua, she added.
 
 Tsai, who wished Tapia all the very best for the future, requested he convey her warmest greetings on behalf of the government and the people to Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo.
 
 Tapia first visited Taiwan in 1963 as a member of the inaugural group of scholarship students from Nicaragua. He returned in an official capacity 45 years later as ambassador.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)