Ma extols robust Taiwan-US relations

2016/01/20

ROC President Ma Ying-jeou said Jan. 18 that exchanges between Taipei and Washington are at the highest level since the Taiwan Relations Act took effect 37 years ago, with the two sides expanding cooperation across a broad spectrum of areas.

“Our low-key, surprise-free approach to Taiwan-U.S. ties has restored high-level trust to the relationship,” Ma said. “This healthy state of affairs is underscored by the 57 bilateral agreements concluded between the two nations, as well as the US$20.1 billion in arms sales approved by Washington over the past seven years.”

The president made the remarks while receiving William Burns, former U.S. deputy secretary of state, at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. Burns is in Taiwan to convey a message from Washington reaffirming its longstanding support for Taiwan and interest in cross-strait stability.

Also attending were American Institute in Taiwan Chairman Raymond Burghardt and AIT Director Kin Moy.

According to Ma, the government’s pragmatic stance in dealing with Washington and Beijing has created a virtuous cycle for the three-way relationship. “This positive development has brought mutual benefits to Taipei and Washington while contributing to unprecedented peace and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait,” he said.

Regarding the Jan. 16 ROC presidential election, Ma said the results bear testament to the democratic achievement of Taiwan and the nation’s solid constitutional framework. “I expect the new president to continue upholding the current state of cross-strait peace and prosperity.”

In response, Burns said the results of the fair and open election underscore Taiwan’s successful and vibrant democracy. He also declared Taipei-Washington ties at an all-time best, adding that Ma deserves a great deal of credit for strengthening the two-way partnership.

Burns said the U.S. government looks forward to working with the new government and deepening relations with Taiwan’s other political parties to ensure sustainable cross-strait peace.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=241418&ctNode=2194&mp=9)