Premier Yu Shyi-kun yesterday expressed his appreciation to the US government for allowing him to transit in New York and Los Angeles during his 11-day trip to Central America.
"The convenience [of the transit] offered by the US government symbolizes the close and friendly Taiwan-US ties," Yu said.
Yu made the remark just before he embarked on his trip yesterday. During his four-state tour, Yu will visit Taiwan allies Haiti, Panama, Costa Rica and Belize.
Yu also said yesterday that he had instructed Vice Premier Lin Hsin-yi (
In the brief statement made in Chiang Kai-shek International Airport, the premier defined the tour as "a journey of trade, business cooperation and cultural exchange," which is aimed at realizing President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) concept of "new internationalism" and "diversified diplomacy."
Yu said the trip is also aimed at consolidating Taiwan's diplomatic ties with her allies and he will call for their continuous support for Taipei's bid to join international organizations.
"The international community highly esteems Taiwan's economic strength and has great expectations for Taiwan's economy, which is Taiwan's greatest tool to get to a point where we can stand up and walk tall," said Yu.
"Open the door, and breathe with the world," Yu added, quoting a poem by Pablo Neruda, the Chilean Nobel laureate.
He said that Taiwan should not only open its eyes to see the whole world, but the nation also needs to walk tall and become visible to the world.
During his tour, Yu will meet with the presidents or envoys of the four allies to discuss matters related to trade, business cooperation and cultural exchanges.
Yu is due to return home on Aug. 16.
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