Farewell to President Tsai Ing-wen
The president of Taiwan, Doctor Tsai Ing-wen, concluded a visit to Belize over the weekend. Doctor Ing-wen was afforded all the trappings of a state visit including the convening of a joint special sittings of the House of Representatives and Senate in Belmopan, both which she addressed. Belize remains a close ally of Taiwan and in return, Taiwan has showered the country with generosity. On this occasion, the president received the Order of Belize. During her visit the president committed to continue supporting programmes in education, agriculture and infrastructure. News Five’s Duane Moody reports.
Duane Moody, Reporting
The departure of Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen on Saturday, shortly before midday, was preceded by similar pomp and circumstance as her arrival two days earlier. On the apron, a red carpet rolled out to meet the idle China Airlines chartered flight. Upon arrival onto the tarmac, the head of state received gifts and other souvenirs before being flanked by Governor General Sir Colville Young who escorted her to the steps of the aircraft. That formality brought to an end an official visit from President Ing-wen who spent the better part of a brief call meeting with government representatives which included a symbolic sitting of both houses of parliament on Friday.
Tsai Ing-wen
Dr. Tsai Ing-wen, President of Taiwan
“Taiwan has accumulated a lot of experience that we will be willing to share and we, of course, look forward to doing so with one of Taiwan’s closest friends and allies, that is Belize. Economically, we are working with the private sector to support the investment and procurement plans with Belize.”
Through mutual partnership, Belize has benefited tremendously from Taiwan. In the agro-productive sector, teams of experts in the field of agriculture have been scouring the country for its prized cacao beans.
Dr. Tsai Ing-wen
“Earlier this year, I worked with some of Taiwan’s largest cacao and coffee purchasers to organize a delegation to Belize and you can expect many more of these delegations in the future. Furthermore, many members of my delegations are from the business sector and I will personally be Belize’s biggest advocate and encourage them to set up their operations here.”
Belize’s Taiwanese connection goes beyond technical assistance, in fact, their alliance has aided in the strengthening of each nation in areas which include democracy and human rights.
Dr. Tsai Ing-wen
“Diplomats and civil society representatives from our two countries have worked hand in hand to promote sustainable development goals and advance our shared values of freedom and democracy. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to express my sincere gratitude for Belize’s efforts and thank you for your unwavering support and friendship.”
In an apparent first, the Taiwanese president upon arriving in the United States hours later visited a U.S. federal building in an official capacity. That sparked outrage from China in the midst of U.S. trade and security disputes with Beijing, as it is seen as the U.S. forming closer ties with Taipei. Duane Moody for News Five.
