The government is sparing no effort in strengthening cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. across a broad spectrum of areas, according to Vice President Lai Ching-te July 21.
Rock-solid U.S. support for expanding Taiwan’s presence in the international arena is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, Lai said. Some outstanding examples include urging the country’s participation in U.N. specialized agencies like the World Health Organization, as well as issuing invitations to attend the Global COVID-19 Summit and Summit for Democracy, he added.
Lai made the remarks while attending a U.S. Independence Day event organized by the American Institute in Taipei. Other high-profile attendees included David Tawei Lee, secretary-general to the president; Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu; and AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk.
According to Lai, when COVID-19 vaccines were in short supply last year, the U.S. generously shared a total of 4 million doses with Taiwan. This demonstrates the two sides’ deep friendship and commitment to advancing global health, he said.
Lai also took the opportunity to thank the U.S. for upholding its security obligations to Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.
Regarding the robust Taiwan-U.S. economic partnership, Lai said it is going from strength to strength as evidenced by the recently established U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade and talks on a bilateral trade and investment framework agreement, he added.
Another highlight of the enduring relationship between Taiwan and the U.S. is the Global Cooperation and Training Framework. Lai said, adding that key topics addressed during GCTF workshops by participant countries include disaster resilience, public health, religious freedom and women’s empowerment.
Going forward, Lai said, Taiwan will continue cooperating closely with the U.S. in promoting freedom, democracy and international rules-based order while building a more free and open Indo-Pacific. (DL-E)
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