Former Premier Su Tseng-chang spoke at an event marking the 40th anniversary of the National Endowment for Democracy Nov. 14 in Washington, D.C., the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
According to the MOFA, Su delivered remarks on behalf of President Tsai Ing-wen, who received the U.S.-based think tank’s Democracy Service Medal from NED President Damon Wilson during his visit to Taiwan in July.
Quoting Tsai’s acceptance speech, Su said the honor is a recognition of the efforts of Taiwan’s people in pursuing and defending democracy. During his term under Tsai’s leadership, there was no shortage of challenges such as COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war and a global economic slowdown, he said.
Thanks to the president’s steadfast leadership and joint efforts between the public and private sectors, Taiwan has emerged stronger and more resilient than ever, Su said. The country will continue to work with its like-minded partners, including the NED, to ensure that democracy will prevail, he added.
U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan also took the opportunity to recognize President Tsai for her efforts in advancing Taiwan-U.S. relations and promoting peace, freedom and security across the Taiwan Strait. He stressed the importance of Taiwan to global democracy and praised the people of Taiwan for embracing the true meaning of democracy.
According to the MOFA, other notable participants at the event included Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen and U.S. Representatives Barbara Lee, Joe Wilson, Mario Diaz-Balart, Jason Crow and Joaquin Castro. (SFC-E)
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