The US will continue to work to strengthen its relationships and crucial ties with Taiwan, as well as to promote their shared values in the future, American Institute in Taiwan Director William Stanton said yesterday.
Stanton made the remarks at a reception yesterday evening at the Grand Hyatt Taipei, celebrating the 235th celebration of the US’ declaration of independence.
“On this day, it is an honor for me to [be] in a great democracy like Taiwan as we celebrate the Fourth of July. For more than 60 years, the people of Taiwan and the United States have worked and prospered together, becoming close friends and partners,” he said.
Noting that the US and Taiwan have benefited from cooperation in many fields — the arts, business, public health and education — Stanton added: “We also share an enduring commitment to freedom and democracy and the values this day [the Fourth of July] represents.”
Minister of Foreign Affairs Timothy Yang (楊進添), who attended the reception on behalf of the Republic of China (ROC) government, said Taiwan-US relations are “cordial and close.”
“This year we are also celebrating the centenary of the ROC ... We thank the US for its Taiwan Relations Act, its security commitments, its encouragement for peaceful and stable cross-strait development,” Yang said. “The long-term friendship between the US and Taiwan is evidenced by its support for [Taiwan] joining international organizations.”
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