ROC President Ma Ying-jeou said his administration will continue striving to improve cross-strait relations with the goal of delivering peace and prosperity for the people of Taiwan.
“Our policies put Taiwan first for the benefit of the people,” Ma said March 9. “The nation’s sovereignty and dignity will never be jeopardized.”
The president made the comments at a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of Taiwan’s Straits Exchange Foundation in Taipei City.
Ma said ROC government cross-strait policies, which are subject to legislative approval, reflect the needs of the nation and people’s expectations. “Taipei-Beijing negotiations must be transparent and the government held fully accountable at all times,” he added.
According to the president, mutual nonrecognition of each side’s sovereignty and nondenial of self-rule are key to preserving the cross-strait status quo and creating conditions for peaceful ties. Echoing Ma’s remarks, SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung said agreements such as the Cross-strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement play an integral role in attaining this outcome.
“Both sides are committed to overcoming challenging aspects of the economic relationship,” Chiang said. “I expect follow-up talks on the ECFA will go off without a hitch.”
Ma also used the event to recognize former SEF Chairman Koo Chen-fu, who died aged 88 in 2005. He presented Cecilia Koo with a special contribution award in honor of her late husband’s unflagging efforts to develop cross-strait ties. (JSM)
Write to Elaine Hou at elainehou@mail.gio.gov.tw