July 7, 2024
No. 230
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a welcome luncheon on July 7 for the delegation from the US state of Texas led by Governor Greg Abbott and Mrs. Cecilia Abbott.
In his speech, Minister Lin stated that he was pleased that during Governor Abbott’s visit the establishment of the State of Texas Taiwan Office was announced and an economic development statement of intent was signed between Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Texas. He said that these important milestones furthered the development of bilateral relations. He also noted that Taiwan and Texas enjoyed close economic and trade ties, as well as engaging in a wide range of exchanges in domains such as industrial supply chains and education cooperation.
Furthermore, Minister Lin expressed appreciation to Governor Abbott for posting a message celebrating Taiwan’s democracy on social media immediately following the smooth completion of Taiwan’s presidential election in January. Minister Lin also thanked the 88th Texas Legislature for adopting a concurrent resolution supporting the strengthening of Taiwan-Texas ties, underscoring shared democratic values and the staunch partnership between the two sides.
Governor Abbott, who is currently in his third term since being first elected to the position in 2015, is making his first official visit to Taiwan. This trip also marks the first time a sitting Texas governor has traveled to Taiwan in 15 years. The delegation, comprising nearly 50 members, includes senators and representatives from the Texas Legislature, the Texas secretary of state, business leaders, and the media.
Taiwan is Texas’s ninth-largest export market and an important source of foreign investment. Since Taiwan and Texas became sister states in 1988, Taiwanese businesses have invested over US$12 billion in Texas. This visit will help continue to bolster mutually beneficial cooperation in high-tech industry chains and other areas. (E)