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January 30, 2008
Majuro, January 29, 2008---------
President Litokwa Tomeing today welcomed Taiwan’s Vice President Annette Lu to the Republic of the Marshall Islands stating that the presence of the vice president illustrated to the Marshallese people, and the World, the value which Taiwan attaches to the close and friendly relationship.
During a courtesy call at the Capitol Complex, President Tomeing told Madam Lu, “Indeed, our friendship is strong, as it is based on the principles of democracy, upholding and respect for human rights, and preservation of our cultural heritage as peoples of the Pacific.”
Mr. Tomeing thanked Vice President Lu and the people of Taiwan for all the valuable assistance provided towards the development and growth of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The president expressed appreciation for the generous assistance in health, education, training programs, agriculture, visiting medical missions, in addition to various economic programs, including the solar and micro credit scheme.
“The aid and support from Taiwan has positively impacted every aspect of Marshall Islands’ development,” Tomeing said. He then reaffirmed the Marshall Islands’ continued commitment and support for Taiwan in the international community.
President Tomeing noted, “The Marshall Islands is one of Taiwan’s closest ally in the region and beyond, and I pledge our continuing commitment and support for Taiwan within the framework of regional institutions and the United Nations.”
The RMI president then expressed the hope for a new partnership agreement between the two nations as they entered the tenth anniversary of formal relations later this year.
President Tomeing told Vice President Lu “the RMI government has put forward for your government’s consideration elements for a proposal that could serve as the basis for a new partnership agreement between our two countries. It is our view that a new bilateral agreement is timely as it will further fortify, expand, and deepen our relations.”
President Tomeing further stated, “We look forward to engaging in talks with Taiwan for this new arrangement that will advance our mutual interests for many years to come. In this vein, we welcome the opportunity for early dialogue with Taiwan.”
In closing, President Tomeing conveyed his personal greetings and appreciation to President Chen Shui-bian for his promise expressed during their telephone conversation earlier this month to provide the financial assistance needed to revive and fully restore Air Marshall Islands services.
After relaying President Chen Shui-bian’s greetings, Vice President Lu responded along the same lines, reiterating Taiwan’s commitment to the Marshall Islands and its Pacific allies, touching on various areas of support Taiwan has provided to its regional allies as outlined in the Majuro and Palau declarations endorsed by the Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit.
Lu thanked the RMI for its support in the region and in the international community, and asked for its continued support in the Pacific, as well as the World Health Organization and the United Nations.
The Vice President conveyed President Shui-bian’s hope that President Tomeing will accept his invitation for a state visit in early March as well as to the 3rd Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit later this year in Taiwan.
President Tomeing was joined by members of the Cabinet in receiving Vice President Lu.
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