At the Executive Yuan this morning, Vice Premier Mao Chi-kuo received a visit from U.S. Congressional Taiwan Caucus Co-chair John Carter, who is in Taiwan to gain a deeper understanding of the country and the issues of concern to both sides. Mao thanked the Republican representative from Texas for his long-standing friendship to Taiwan, saying he has been a key opinion leader in Congress on subjects relating to the ROC.
An ardent proponent of Taiwan for many years, Congressman Carter proactively supports the signing of an ROC-U.S. bilateral investment agreement and backs Taiwan's participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade bloc. Vice Premier Mao hoped the congressman would continue his firm support and help bolster bilateral relations and cooperative ties between the ROC and the U.S.
As chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee under the House Appropriations Committee, Carter also has a keen interest in counter-terrorism efforts and immigration policies. He exchanged views on these topics with Director Shih Tseng-kang of the Executive Yuan's Office of Homeland Security, who was also present at today's meeting.