Taiwan and the US state of Idaho yesterday signed a pact to mark the 40th anniversary of their sister-state relationship, with the two governments pledging to continue to enhance cooperation on all fronts.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU), which also reaffirms a “commitment to future cooperation between Taiwan and the state of Idaho,” was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Idaho Governor Brad Little at a ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei.
“I’m excited about the future as we execute this MOU, which will strengthen our partnership for generations to come,” Little said, calling the MOU signing “a historic event.”
Photo: CNA
“I’m incredibly proud of reaching the 40-year milestone in the sister state relationship... This achievement reflects our dedication and hard work over the years and signifies a positive relationship built between Idaho and Taiwan,” he said.
Lin welcomed Little on his third visit to the country since assuming the governor post in 2019.
Lin said Idaho opened its trade office in Taiwan in 1988, and bilateral trade has since been robust, with Taiwan being Idaho’s second-largest trading partner for eight consecutive years.
Taiwan is also Idaho’s largest semiconductor trading partner globally, accounting for 40 percent of total bilateral trade, he said.
Aside from trade relations, Taiwan and Idaho signed a driver’s license reciprocity agreement in 2014 and a Memorandum of Education Cooperation in 2018, he said.
“Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities that lie before us. We share a common goal of deepening cooperation in trade, education and culture,” Lin said. “Through our joint efforts, we will build a resilient future for generations to come.”
In Taiwan from Sunday through today, Little is heading a trade mission consisting of 60 delegates from 19 Idaho companies and organizations involved in the advanced manufacturing, energy, food and agriculture, higher education, and semiconductor sectors.
A press release by the Idaho state government said the visit to Taiwan is part of a larger trade mission to East Asia that will also take the governor to Japan.
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