Diplomats from 11 Indo-Pacific countries stationed in Taiwan took part in a specially organized New Year’s Eve function staged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscoring the commitment of the government to strengthening bonds with the country’s like-minded partners.
Hosted by Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang at the MOFA’s Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs in Taipei City, the event involved Ambassadors Neijon Rema Edwards and Limasene Teatu from ROC (Taiwan) allies Marshall Islands and Tuvalu, respectively, as well as high-ranking embassy personnel from Nauru.
Others in attendance included Yip Wei Kiat, head of the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei; Budi Santoso, head of the Indonesia Economic and Trade Office to Taipei; Tommy Kambu Kunji, head of the Papua New Guinea Trade Office in Taiwan; Vu Tien Dung, head of the Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei; Prasant Tripathi, deputy head of the India-Taipei Association; and officials from the representative offices of Japan, South Korea and Thailand.
Tien said during his welcoming remarks that the government and people deeply appreciate the unwavering support for Taiwan’s participation in the international community consistently voiced by allies and like-minded partners.
Despite tremendous challenges and difficulties stemming from COVID-19, friendship and goodwill were deepened among the family of nations, Tien said. It is anticipated the pandemic will soon come to an end and global exchanges and everyday life will return to normal, he added.
In response, the diplomats thanked Taiwan for sharing coronavirus-combating resources and expressed hope for closer bilateral cooperation and ties in the year ahead. (SFC-E)
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