Premier Lai Ching-te today received John Norris, managing director of the Washington office of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), thanking the U.S. for its support of Taiwan. The premier expressed hope that the U.S. and Taiwan will build on the solid foundation already in place, and continue pursuing bilateral cooperation in economics and trade, security and environmental protection.
In years past, Taiwan has enjoyed U.S. support in areas ranging from political stability and economic development to democratic freedoms and development of overall society, the premier said. The U.S. for years has also provided Taiwan with a strong guarantee of its commitment through the Taiwan Relations Act, with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reaffirming the Six Assurances to Taiwan at his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate. This stability has been very reassuring to the people of Taiwan, for which the premier expressed appreciation to the U.S. government on behalf of the Executive Yuan.
Premier Lai also thanked the U.S. government for including Taiwan in the Global Entry program, granting eligible Taiwanese travelers expedited entry into the U.S.
The Taiwan government will endeavor to build a constructive relationship with the U.S. and support causes important to the U.S. government, the premier pledged. Many large Taiwanese corporations, for instance, have heeded President Donald Trump's call to make investments in America. The U.S. Department of Treasury has also removed Taiwan from its currency monitoring list as published in the most recent Foreign Exchange Policies of Major Trading Partners of the United States report. The premier is grateful that the U.S. recognizes the efforts of the Taiwan government.
Finally, Premier Lai thanked the U.S. for helping arrange President Tsai Ing-wen's transit stops in the U.S. for her upcoming visit to diplomatic allies in the South Pacific. He expressed hope that Taiwan and the U.S. will continue engaging in diverse areas of collaboration and provide mutual assistance for mutual benefits.
May the two countries enjoy deeper exchanges and a stronger, firmer relationship under the shared values of human rights and equality and justice for all, he added.