October 10, 2014
No. 220
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a National Day Reception at the Taipei Guest House at 5 PM on October 10 to celebrate the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China. The reception was hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs David Y. L. Lin and Mrs. Lin and attended by President Ma Ying-jeou and First Lady Chow Mei-ching, Vice President Wu Den-yih and Mrs. Wu, and Premier Jiang Yi-huah and Mrs. Jiang. The many foreign dignitaries attending included Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaoré and First Lady Compaoré; Paraguay President Horacio Cartes; Honduras Vice President Lorena Enriqueta Herrera Estévez de Enamorado and Mr. Enamorado; Panama First Lady Lorena Isabel Castillo de Varela; and Nicaragua National Assembly President Santos René Núñez Téllez and Mrs. Núñez.
At this year’s reception, both traditional and innovative Taiwanese dishes were served. In addition, Hakka food, aboriginal dishes, baked goods from the Children Are Us Foundation, and dim sum by the renowned Din Tai Fung were also available, fully demonstrating Taiwan’s gastronomic soft power. Furthermore, MOFA also invited traditional handcraft artists to display dough figurines, paper-cut silhouettes, and woven straw items so that guests could catch a glimpse of Taiwan’s traditional folk arts while tasting the various dishes.
The Public Welfare Ambassadors of the National Conscription Agency of the Ministry of the Interior were invited to perform at this year’s reception. Skilled in singing, dancing, magic, acrobatics, and other arts, currently performing their alternative military service. Their talent and vitality helped create a festive atmosphere.
The 2014 Youth Ambassadors also performed the play, Family. This performance elaborated on the meaning of family as a symbol of belongingness, honor, unity, and heritage, thereby highlighting the core family values of traditional Chinese culture. It also symbolized that the people residing in Taiwan and overseas compatriots belong to the same large family—the Republic of China—and celebrated the birthday of their nation as one.
President Ma, First Lady Chow, President Compaoré, and First Lady Compaoré watched these performances together. In addition, the ROC athletes who participated in the 17th Incheon Asian Games were also introduced on stage and received warm applause.
The Public Welfare Ambassadors, 2014 Youth Ambassadors, and Asian Games athletes represented the passion and energy of youth from all walks of society who were celebrating National Day and wishing the country everlasting prosperity.
Also attending the reception were delegations from diplomatic allies, important foreign dignitaries, ambassadors and representatives to Taiwan, heads of government agencies, elected officials, representatives of local governments, and various community leaders. The National Day Reception concluded at about 7 PM, with the more than 4,000 guests offering the nation their best wishes. (E)