Republic of China (Taiwan) President Tsai Ing-wen said Oct. 19 that a Ministry of National Defense-organized training program involving high-ranking military and police personnel from Central and South American nations helps cultivate deeper mutual understanding and strengthen bilateral ties.
This program serves as an important platform for military exchanges between Taiwan and the participating countries, Tsai said, adding that it also lays the foundation for collaboration on advancing the sustainable development of all parties involved.
The president made the remarks while receiving 20 program participants from ROC diplomatic allies Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Paraguay, as well as Peru, at the Office of the President in Taipei City.
According to Tsai, the enduring and robust friendship between Taiwan and the countries is underscored by the frequent reciprocal visits by heads of state and high-ranking officials over the past year. These include her trips to Central America in January and South America in June 2016, as well as one by Vice President Chen Chien-jen to the Dominican Republic in August 2016.
In addition, Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernandez, Paraguay President Horacio Cartes, President of the Dominican Republic Senate Reinaldo Pared Perez and several other high-ranking officials from Latin America have made official visits since Tsai took office in May 2016.
The president said in this fast-changing world, countries must collaborate in the face of challenges. The long-term support of ROC diplomatic allies for the nation’s meaningful international participation is deeply appreciated by the people of Taiwan, and the government looks forward to their continued cooperation going forward, Tsai added.
Launched in 2006, the training program is held every May and October for high-ranking personnel at National Defense University in northern Taiwan’s Taoyuan City. Each three-week session comprises courses in cultural affairs, economics, politics and cross-strait relations, in addition to visits to government agencies and various military bases.
To date, around 480 participants have completed the program, including more than 80 ministers, five of whom have risen to become presidents or prime ministers. (SFC-E)
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