As the nation continues on its path of democracy and freedom, it will always have a friend in the American people, the US' top envoy to Taiwan claimed yesterday.
Douglas Paal, director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), made his remarks at a reception celebrating the US' July 4 Independence Day.
Paal told the guests, including Vice Premier Wu Rong-i (吳榮義), that his host country of Taiwan shares with his home country such democratic values as liberty and equality espoused by the US' founding fathers 229 years ago.
"In Taiwan, these democratic values have been the foundation for a strong and enduring relationship that grows with every day," he said.
Recalling the story of the US national holiday, Paal said the Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 men who dedicated "our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor" to the independence of the US colonies and to the principles of liberty and equality.
"On this day, we are reminded of the importance of our democratic friends and allies around the world, history and culture we share," he said.
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