President Tsai Ing-wen said Oct. 18 that a Ministry of National Defense-organized training program involving high-ranking military and police personnel from Latin American nations is raising awareness of Taiwan throughout the region and strengthening bilateral friendships.
This initiative serves as an effective platform for sharing experiences and solving problems, Tsai said. It also lays the foundation for advancing sustainable national development in the respective countries, she added.
Tsai made the remarks while receiving 18 program participants from diplomatic allies Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua in Central America, Paraguay in South America and Argentina, Chile and Peru, at the Office of the President in Taipei City.
According to Tsai, Taiwan enjoys close and frequent exchanges with many nations in Latin America. The government organizes numerous business, cultural and investment tours producing an array of mutually beneficial opportunities, she said.
The importance of these partnerships, Tsai said, is also underscored by her state visits to the allies in Central and South America over the past two years, as well regular reciprocal trips by high-ranking government officials.
In addition to promoting public-private sector exchanges between Taiwan and the region, Tsai said the government is committed to maintaining education and defense collaboration spanning areas like arms provision, logistical support and professional services.
This engagement is particularly important at a time when Taiwan’s international space is increasingly under pressure from China, Tsai said, adding that the government and people of Taiwan are sincerely grateful for the consistent backing of the Central and South American allies in the international arena.
Launched in 2006, the annual training program is staged in May and October at National Defense University in northern Taiwan’s Taoyuan City. The four-week sessions comprise courses in culture, economics, politics and cross-strait relations, as well as visits to government agencies and military bases.
According to the MND, an estimated 8,200 participants from 81 countries have taken part in the program, including around 80 ministers and several presidents or prime ministers. (SFC-E)
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