Ma lauds robust Taiwan-US relations

2015-03-17

President Ma Ying-jeou said March 13 that Taipei-Washington ties are at their highest level in 36 years and will continue to expand going forward.

“Taiwan and the U.S. are important to one another and share the universal values of democracy, freedom and human rights,” Ma said. “It is expected that the two sides will work together to further develop the relationship across a spectrum of areas.”

Ma made the remarks while meeting with U.S. Rep. Ed Royce, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. Royce was in country at the head of a 21-member congressional delegation on a three-day trip to Taiwan.

The president took the opportunity to present Royce with the Order of Brilliant Star with Violet Grand Cordon for his contributions to fostering Taipei-Washington ties.

“Royce is a firm friend of Taiwan,” Ma said, adding that his support has been invaluable in achieving such breakthroughs as the country attending the International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly in September 2013 as a guest. “He also introduced a resolution in February 2014 reaffirming the commitment of the House of Representatives to the Taiwan Relations Act as the cornerstone of bilateral relations.”

As well as publicly backing Taiwan’s participation in Trans-Pacific Partnership on several occasions, Royce was a driving force in the passage by Senate Foreign Relations Committee of S-1683 authorizing the transfer by sale of up to four surplus U.S. Navy Perry-class frigates to Taiwan.

In response, Royce said Taiwan enjoys strong bipartisan backing from Congress, with the annual visit of lawmakers underscoring the robust nature of ties between the two sides. He also commended Ma’s East China Sea Peace Initiative and said its contribution to promoting regional stability is illustrated by the Taiwan-Japan fisheries agreement.

According to Royce, he will continue endorsing Taiwan’s expanded participation in international organizations, and hopes to see Taipei and Washington fast-track negotiations on a bilateral investment agreement.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=228289&CtNode=413)