Li-kuo Chen
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
November 21, 2023
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good evening!
- On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to express my sincere congratulations to the Omani people and government for the 53rd National Day of Oman, as well as the Omani community in Taiwan and all Omani friends present here tonight.
- Oman’s location has earned the nation significant status as a cultural center linking ancient and modern civilizations.
- Oman enjoyed a modern renaissance under the leadership of the late Sultan Qaboos, whose position on foreign policy was founded on a profound and enduring vision of Oman as a friend to all.
- Oman and Taiwan share the same vision on international relations in this regard.
- Building on this, Oman Vision 2040 is Oman’s conception for the future under His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. I am convinced that there is potential for our two nations to explore further cooperation under this framework.
- Oman is a major energy supplier for Taiwan. In 2022, Taiwan imported 20 million barrels of oil from Oman, ranking sixth among all such suppliers.
- Our energy relationship has laid a sound foundation for cooperation and exchange in other areas.
- Thanks to the joint efforts of the Commercial Office of the Sultanate of Oman-Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Oman, we have seen encouraging increases in trade, investment, and tourism exchanges.
- Bilateral trade reached 2.8 billion US dollars in 2022 as compared to 1.8 billion US dollars in 2021—a rise of 1 billion US dollars.
- Trade lays the foundation for investment. After a Taiwanese investment delegation comprising 11 members from eight companies visited Oman to study potential cooperation on fisheries, energy, and other areas.
- This September, a 22-member trade delegation from the North Batinah Governorate Branch of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry visited Taiwan and took part in fruitful exchanges with Taiwanese partners.
- In addition to trade and investment, we have been delighted to see educational and academic exchanges take place between National Dong Hwa University and Sultan Quaboos University, the University of Nizwa, Sohar University, and the German University of Technology of Oman.
- All these activities would not be taking place without the concerted efforts of the Commercial Office of the Sultanate of Oman-Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Oman.
- Once again, I would like to acknowledge Director Mohammed in particular for his dedication and leadership.
- Tourism is also a key focus of the Oman Vision 2040 agenda. In November, Jacky Wu (吳宗憲), host of the popular TV variety show Mr. Player (綜藝玩很大), led a Taiwanese TV crew to Oman to shoot a special program for audiences in Taiwan.
- The program will be available on various media in December. I am very grateful for the assistance extended by the Omani government to the Taiwanese team.
- Director Mohammed made great strides in promoting Oman tourism at the 2023 Taipei International Travel Fair, enhancing Taiwanese people’s understanding of Omani culture and tradition. This has brought the people of Taiwan and Oman closer than ever before.
- Looking ahead, I am certain that through our joint efforts, we will continue to expand cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, education, and tourism.
- There is much to be admired in Oman’s open-minded foreign policy and its vision of Oman as a friend to all. Director Mohammed, I assure you that Taiwan is also a friend to all, including Oman.
- In closing, may the Sultanate of Oman remain prosperous, may the friendship between Taiwan and Oman continue to thrive, and may you all enjoy the best of health and happiness. Thank you!