Taiwan’s National Day (October 10th, also called Double Tenth Day) reception hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the Republic of Palau was held on Tuesday night at Palasia Hotel. The event was attended by H.E. President Tommy Remengesau Jr., First lady Debbie Remengesau, Reklai Raphael Ngirmang, Former President Madrangebuked Thomas Remengesau Sr., Bilung, Minister of State Faustina Rehuher-Marugg, Senate Vice President Mark Rudimch, House of the Delegates Vice Speaker Lucio Ngiraiwet, some Senators, Delegates, Ministers, Directors, Governors, High Chiefs, members of the Taiwanese Association of Palau and a number of dignitaries, totally more than 150 people.
Taiwan Ambassador Wallace Chow welcomed the guests’ participation and gave a speech about the significant progress Taiwan has made since its establishment. The Republic of China (Taiwan) was still a poor nation after the World War II, but with the hard-working Taiwanese people, it has risen from the rags to riches. Now Taiwan enjoys economic success and the universal values of democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law with most advanced countries. “Given its relatively small size, Taiwan is now the 22nd largest economy in the world. Its (Purchasing Power Parity, PPP-based) GDP per capita is currently around US$49,800, as high as that of Germany and Australia.” said Ambassador Chow.
Ambassador Chow further stated that Taiwan would not be successful without the generous aids and assistance from the U.S. and other friendly countries in the 1950s and 60s, resulting in its self-reliance in late 1960s. Now Taiwan with gratitude would like to share such aids and assistance received to Palau’s national development, especially in the area of infrastructure, medicine, agriculture, fishery, education. Palau has been supporting Taiwan to join the international community. Taiwan Government appreciates Palau’s ever staunch support.
Ambassador Chow said Taiwan has proven itself as a sincere, trustworthy, and humble partner for Palau for the past 19 years. In the future, Taiwan will continue to work with our friends in Palau for future common growth and development.
Minister of State Faustina Rehuher-Marugg stated Palau and Taiwan enjoy constructive and friendly relationship based on national respect, cooperation and mutual resolution since 1999.
“Despite Taiwan isn’t a member of the United Nation, it continues to accomplish the UN sustainable development goals and helps its allies and countries around the world. Palau would like to express its gratitude to Taiwan for the assistance in the area of education, technical services, healthcare, personnel training, youth overseas, food security and health.” she said.
Minister Marugg quotes Albert Einstein saying that “Freedom in any case can only be possible by constantly struggling for it.” She encourages Taiwan President Tsai ing-wen to continue to lead Taiwan forward towards a great nation. President Tommy Remengesau Jr. said in the recent United Nation General Assembly that Palau will continue to support Taiwan in partnership with the international community.
Minister Marugg concluded that “Taiwan and Palau should cooperate and further our relationship to the next level. Only by strengthening our relationship are we able to respond to the global challenges and congratulate Taiwan for its 107th birthday.”
Taiwan and Palau established its diplomatic relationship in 1999. The friendship of the two countries has been strengthened over the years despite facing challenges in the international community.
圖一：周大使致詞。
圖二：國務部長致詞。
圖三：祝酒。
(左至右參議院副議長、眾議院副議長、國務部長、第一夫人、周大使、雷總統、周大使夫人、女王、北大酋夫婦)
圖四：周大使夫婦、雷總統伉儷及帛琉女王共同切國慶蛋糕。
圖五：唱國歌。
圖六：國慶晚會現場。
