Amb. Miguel Li-jey Tsao
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
November 21, 2020
(As delivered)
Good afternoon!
After flying across Kaohsiung night market on the Brogent i-Ride this morning, I'm sure your appetites will have already been aroused by the simulated smell of Taiwanese fried chicken!
On behalf of Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Mayor Chen for his warm welcome and this luncheon invitation. I also thank this harbor city and its friendly people for their hospitality, which warms our hearts as much as the sunshine outside!
Just a few days ago, the Kaohsiung City government teamed up with a local enterprise, Nan Liu, to donate 300,000 face masks to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, to combat the spread of COVID-19. These custom-made masks, which feature the logos of the two cities, symbolize friendship and solidarity between our two countries. I would like to commend Kaohsiung's key role in demonstrating the spirit of “Taiwan can help, and Taiwan is helping!”
Kaohsiung also enjoys cultural connections with 34 sister and friendly cities globally. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to support Mayor Chen's effort to promote economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges with cities around the world. I am glad to have ambassadors and representatives from 34 countries with us today. I hope you will share with people back home the promise of this vibrant city.
Kaohsiung has so much to offer. This morning you flew across the city thanks to some pioneering simulation technology; this afternoon, you'll be transported by the beauty of flowing melodies. The National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts Weiwuying is built to host international performing arts events, and will host today's 2020 Presidential Office Concert. We'll enjoy a harmonious combination of classical and local music amid its unique architecture, which was inspired by the form of local banyan trees. I'm sure it will make for an satisfying end to our trip.
Ladies and gentlemen, the advanced technologies we've seen in the past two days would count for little if not for a robust business and attractive investment environment. As the old saying goes, seeing is believing. We hope this trip has given you an inside look at how Taiwan is harnessing the industries of the future.
Finally, at the last banquet of this trip, and as we enjoy this magnificent feast hosted by Mayor Chen. My colleagues and I want to thank Mayor Chen again, and thank all of you for being with us over these two days. With that, I would like to close with a toast: to the technologies of the future and to long-lasting cooperation! Cheers! Salud ! 謝謝!