President Tsai Ing-wen (center) is joined by officials at a meeting with Taiwan’s media outlets April 6 during her stop in Los Angeles as part of the 10-day state visit to Guatemala and Belize. (Courtesy of Presidential Office)
 

President Tsai Ing-wen said April 6 that Taiwan is committed to deepening partnerships built upon the spirit of mutual support and shared values with its diplomatic allies.

Tsai made the remarks at a meeting with domestic media outlets in Los Angeles at the close of her 10-day state trip to Guatemala and Belize. The visit has helped the people of Taiwan gain a better understanding of cooperative programs and relationships between the country and its Central American allies, Tsai said.

Tsai cited strong support from Guatemala President Alejandro Eduardo Giammattei Falla in the international arena; as well as democratic healthcare and prosperity ventures like the Taiwan-Guatemala co-built National Hospital of Chimaltenango and the sheep and goat breeding project implemented by Taiwan’s technical mission in Belize.

Assistance from Laura Rosenberger, chair of the American Institute in Taiwan, for the transit through the U.S. was deeply appreciated, Tsai said. The meeting with Kevin McCarthy, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and 18 other members of Congress held in California also offered an opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on Taiwan-relevant bills being discussed in Congress, she added.

The president said the meeting was conducive to cross-strait as well as regional peace and stability, adding that she hoped China could restrain itself from any overreaction.

A solid relationship with like-minded partners is as important as maintaining strong friendships with allies, Tsai said, adding that the government will continue to engage in international affairs while working to gain yet more support from the global community.

Tsai also thanked diplomatic staff for organizing her first post-pandemic state visit. (YCH-E)