Alexander Tah-ray Yui
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
March 1, 2022
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good morning! I hope you have all enjoyed the 4-day holiday!
I am very happy to attend this year’s opening ceremony of the Belize Culture and Women’s Month. Last year, the event was celebrated in conjunction with the 41st anniversary of the independence of Belize, where it was hosted by Ambassador Pitts in the Bopiliao Historic District in Wanhua, and artwork and traditional dresses from Belize were displayed.
Today’s event honors Belizean women, who have played a prominent role in shaping the nation and have made significant contributions to the country’s cultural, political, and social developments. Among the outstanding women include Belizean House Speaker Valerie Woods and Senate President Carolyn Trench-Sandiford. Both have tirelessly advocated for women’s rights and gender equality.
Also, two weeks ago, we were very honored to host Belizean First Lady Rossana Briceño, who is also Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children. In her speech at the Empower Women! Empower LAC! Forum, she stated that “gender equality is a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.” and that “we cannot move forward without women’s participation in society.” Taiwan wholeheartedly agrees, and progress in this area is encouraging. It is crucial that our nations keep working together toward a more equitable society, where all women have the opportunity to reach their full potential. As an example, Taiwan worked closely with Belize and other diplomatic allies in Latin America and the Caribbean in the implementation of the Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery Project, focused on women empowerment, where we provide technical assistance, professional training, credit guarantee and other financial support to micro, small and medium-sized women enterprises.
For over 30 years, Taiwan and Belize have enjoyed a solid partnership founded on the common values of democracy, freedom, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. This alliance has furthered mutual understanding, cultural exchanges, and economic cooperation. It has also enabled both sides to advance in numerous domains, including gender equality, education, healthcare, and tourism. I am confident that, through joint efforts, friendly bilateral relations and cooperation will only continue to flourish.
In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Embassy of Belize in Taiwan, the National Central Library, and the Central America Trade Office for organizing this meaningful event. I wish the event every success and all the participants the best of health and happiness. Thank you!