President Lai Ching-te pledged to continue working with the U.S. and other global democracies to jointly contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
According to the Presidential Office, Lai made the remarks in a prerecorded video at the International Visitor Leadership Program’s 85th anniversary celebration Dec. 8 in Taipei City. He noted that Taiwan and the U.S. have continued to deepen ties in culture, education and talent cultivation.
The president recalled that he first got involved in IVLP in 2004 on the recommendation of current American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene, noting that his experience underscored the vitality and resilience of the U.S. democratic system. For 85 years the program has nurtured countless prospective leaders and has served as a major platform for international exchange, he said, adding that the program has also showcased Taiwan’s democratic achievements and vibrant diversity.
The president went on to laud the close partnership between Taiwan and the U.S. beyond IVLP. He cited the Fulbright Program, which has facilitated the annual reciprocal exchange of several hundred academics from the two sides.
Over the past three years, Taiwan has continued to encourage U.S. students to learn Mandarin in Taiwan, Lai said. He added that this year Taiwan launched the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative to advance links between domestic youth and their peers across the globe.
Lai concluded by expressing gratitude to the U.S. Congress and government for the unwavering bipartisan support for Taiwan.
Founded in 1940, IVLP is a U.S. Department of State-organized project that invites young people to visit the country to promote cooperation. (POC-E)
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