Taiwan and the U.S. have renewed their diplomatic immunity pact, upping protection for officials from both sides and reaffirming the strength of bilateral relations, according to the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs Feb. 5.
“The revised agreement comprehensively strengthens the dignity and protection of the accredited institutions and officials,” said Bruce J.D. Linghu, director-general of the MOFA Department of North American Affairs.
Concluded on the basis of equality and reciprocity, the pact differs from the previous agreement signed Oct. 2, 1980, in that it has English and Chinese versions, Linghu said, adding that negotiations over the agreement were launched last January.
The pact was signed in Washington by King Pu-tsung, ROC representative to the U.S., and Barbara Schrage, managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan.
Linghu said after 32 years of shared experiences, Taiwan and the U.S. agree that enhanced protection for officials of both sides, as well as clarification and renewal of the agreement, is necessary to ensure the continued efficient functioning of the bilateral relationship.
This close cooperation has been made possible by President Ma Ying-jeou’s pragmatic low profile, no surprise approach to Taipei-Washington ties, Linghu said.
Since Ma took office in May 2008, mutual trust has been rebuilt while dialogue, exchanges and cooperation in all fields have advanced, Linghu said. Such progress is illustrated by visits of high-ranking officials, security collaboration, personnel exchanges and economic ties, he added.
The new pact will be sent to the ROC Cabinet and Legislative Yuan for review and approval before being released in detail to the public. (JSM)
Write to Grace Kuo at mlkuo@mofa.gov.tw