Premier Yu Shyi-kun arrived in Los Angeles Tuesday for a two-night transit stop on his way home from a four-nation diplomatic tour of the Caribbean and Central America.
Yu was greeted at the airport by Chen Chien-jen (程建人), the ROC representative to the US, and Barbara Schrage, acting chairwoman of the American Institute in Taiwan.
Some 50 overseas Chinese community representatives also turned out to greet Yu at his hotel.
During his stopover, Yu is expected meet with Los Angeles County Chief Zev Yaroslavsky and several members of Congress, as well as overseas Chinese community leaders, before flying back to Taiwan Thursday afternoon.
Before traveling to Los Angeles, Yu signed a joint communique with Belize Prime Minister Said Musa, reaffirming the strong and cordial ties between the two countries.
The document stated that all countries should resolve international disputes via peaceful dialogue and negotiations under the principle of equal sovereignty and that Belize would continue to support Taiwan's efforts to join international organizations.
"The Republic of China could contribute even more to world peace and to the economic progress of developing countries if she is able to participate more actively and directly in international organizations," said Belize Prime Minister Said Musa in the communique.
Musa also expressed his support of the right of the 23 million Tai-wanese people to pursue peace, democracy and prosperity.
In addition, Musa extended his appreciation for the efforts and assistance of the Taiwan government in the development of the nation's agriculture, infrastructure, human resources and economy and in the preservation of its culture.
"Particularly, I'd like to express my appreciation for the help of the Republic of China to build a library and museum to preserve the culture and artifacts of the ethnic Garifuna culture," Musa said.
Yu on Tuesday gave BD$205,000 (US$100,000) to the National Garifuna Council toward a museum and library in Dangria.
Premier Yu Shyi-kun expressed Taiwan's appreciation to Belize for its steadfast support and efforts of Taiwan and its entry into international organizations, particularly the UN and the WHO.
In addition, Yu pledged that the Taiwan government will continue to assist Belize to build its human resources and to support its national development process.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Yu said Taiwan will continue to support needy countries, especially its diplomatic allies, if its financial situation allows it to do so.
"Although it's our obligation to assist needy countries in the international community, we have our own economic difficulties," Yu said. "We may need some time to conduct financial reforms before providing more international aid."
In light of China's constant suppression of Taiwan's diplomatic space, Yu said that Taiwan should play up its strengths in an effort to maintain relations with its diplomatic allies.
"It's unwise and impractical to compete with China in the money game," Yu said. "What we should do is to make good use of our own advantages, such as democracy, freedom, human rights and economic strength, to maintain relations with our diplomatic allies."
In response to what Belize can offer to Taiwanese businesspeople, Musa said: "I believe Taiwanese investors are attracted to Belize first of all because of its political stability, thriving democracy and respect for human rights."
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