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        <title>Office of the President, Republic of China(Taiwan)</title>
        <link>http://www.president.gov.tw/en/</link>
        <language>en-us</language>
        <description>Office of the President, Republic of China(Taiwan)</description>
        <lastBuildDate>Mar 13, 2010 0:00:01 GMT+0800</lastBuildDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[ President Ma meets Gambian Foreign Minister Ousman Jammeh ]]></title>
            <pubDate>Mar 9, 2010 0:00:00</pubDate>
			<link><![CDATA[ http://www.president.gov.tw/en/prog/news_release/document_content.php?id=1105500132&pre_id=1105500132&g_category_number=145&category_number_2=145 ]]></link>
            <description><![CDATA[ President Ma Ying-jeou met with Ousman Jammeh, Minister of Foreign Affairs from the Republic of The Gambia, and Mrs. Jammeh at the Presidential Office on the afternoon of March 9. The president, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC, extended a warm welcome and deep appreciation to Foreign Minister Jammeh.  The president commented that Foreign Minister Jammeh in the past served at the Gambian Office of the President as Secretary General and Secretary of State responsible for Petroleum, Energy and Mineral Resources. During his tenure in those positions he visited Taiwan three times. This marks his fourth trip to Taiwan, and the president remarked that Foreign Minister Jammeh is extremely familiar with the state of political and economic development in Taiwan.   President Ma noted that since The Gambia established diplomatic relations with the ROC in 1995, it has consistently been an important ally of the ROC in West Africa. The president stated that The Gambia has seen enormous economic development, as well as progress in education and women's rights under the outstanding leadership of Gambian President Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh. President Jammeh has consistently been ahead of the curve, making him an important regional leader in West Africa, President Ma said, his achievements are quite admirable.  The president furthermore said that he and President Jammeh engaged in in-depth talks during his counterpart's visit to Taiwan in April of last year. He said that President Jammeh's concern about education in his country left a deep impression on him. President Ma commented that he recalled President Jammeh stating that when he took office, The Gambia had only two doctors. As of last year, however, 68 doctors had been trained in his nation and a medical school had been established there. This demonstrates the efforts and determination that President Jammeh has made with respect to promoting education, President Ma said. Moreover, President Jammeh is especially concerned about women's right to education, he said. This position has led to a large increase in the percentage of women in The Gambia being educated, President Ma said. In addition, upon learning that Taiwan can provide a high quality higher education, The Gambia selected outstanding students to come here to study. At present, National Taipei University of Technology has established a special course in petroleum studies for 25 students. The president said this represents the ROC's willingness to adopt concrete measures to assist in educating the young generation of The Gambia.  President Ma remarked that the two nations engage in broad cooperation in the fields of education, medicine and agriculture. The two countries share a strong alliance and deep friendship, he said. Last August when southern Taiwan experienced devastating flooding and landslides caused by Typhoon Morakot, The Gambia generously donated US$700,000 for disaster relief. President Ma stressed that this was the largest donation of funds from any nation, and that he would like to specially express his deepest appreciation and respect for this gesture. The president said he hopes that the relationship between the two countries will develop further. He also expressed his hope that Foreign Minister Jammeh will pass along the deepest appreciation of the ROC government and people for The Gambia's repeatedly speaking on behalf of the ROC in the international community. He specifically pointed out The Gambia's assistance to the ROC in becoming a party to the Agreement on Government Procurement and participating in the World Health Assembly, which the ROC had long sought to participate in. The president said he hopes that The Gambia in the future will continue to provide support and encouragement to the ROC. ]]></description>
            <language>en-us</language>
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            <title><![CDATA[ President Ma to visit six allies in South Pacific starting March 21 ]]></title>
            <pubDate>Mar 2, 2010 0:00:00</pubDate>
			<link><![CDATA[ http://www.president.gov.tw/en/prog/news_release/document_content.php?id=1105500131&pre_id=1105500131&g_category_number=145&category_number_2=145 ]]></link>
            <description><![CDATA[ The Office of the President on the afternoon of March 2 held a press conference to announce that President Ma will lead a delegation to six diplomatic allies in the South Pacific from March 21 to March 27. The president will make state visits to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Kiribati, Tuvalu, the Republic of Nauru, the Solomon Islands, and the Republic of Palau. Presidential Office Spokesman Lo Chih-chiang and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs David Y. L. Lin jointly presided over the press conference.  Vice Foreign Minister Lin announced that the president will visit the six diplomatic allies over a six-day period. The trip is significant in several respects.  First, the ROC generally sought in the past to hold summit meetings on a multilateral basis, with the objective being to solidify alliances with the countries participating in those meetings. However, since adoption of the flexible diplomacy policy, the ROC's relations with its Pacific allies have been relatively stable. Consequently, the ROC desires to engage in more direct and effective bilateral negotiations in order to enhance interaction with its allies. By so doing we will be able to pursue cooperation in a manner that better addresses the needs of the people of each particular nation and generates business opportunities for Taiwan companies.  Second, the ROC is itself a Pacific nation and its Pacific allies are our neighbors and cooperative partners. Vice Foreign Minister Lin said that President Ma's trip to these countries will demonstrate the importance the ROC attaches to its relationship with these nations, and to interaction on a bilateral basis among high-ranking officials.  Third, since President Ma took office, the leaders of these six Pacific allies have all made visits to Taiwan and have extended enthusiastic invitations to President Ma to visit their countries. President Ma's trip will be a fitting response to these warm invitations, and will also enable him to tour the countries and better understand the state of development there. This will help to pave the way for strengthened bilateral cooperation.  Besides being President Ma's first visit to the ROC's South Pacific allies since he took office in May 2008, this trip will also mark the first time that an ROC president has journeyed to all six of the nation's diplomatic allies in the South Pacific in just six days.  The central theme of the trip will be "Effective Cooperation and Sustainable Development." This will highlight the ROC's desire to continue to enhance cooperation with its six allies in the region and its determination and good faith in promoting development in the South Pacific. President Ma will hold bilateral talks with the leaders of each nation and attend state banquets at each stop along the way. While in the Solomon Islands, President Ma will deliver an address before that country's National Parliament and will be decorated by that nation's government. Also during his stops in the various countries, President Ma will announce cooperation projects on six fronts, namely medical care, fisheries, vocational training, food security, clean energy, and cultural exchanges.  Vice Foreign Minister Lin furthermore explained that while in the Marshall Islands, the focus will be on cooperation in the area of medical and health care, and the leaders of the two countries will participate in a ceremony to plant trees. The main theme in Kiribati will be on fisheries cooperation, with President Ma scheduled to visit a local aquaculture center. Vocational training will be the key topic during the president's trip to Tuvalu, and arrangements have been made for President Ma to visit a Taiwan-Tuvalu friendship farm. In Nauru, agricultural cooperation will be the main focus, and while there the president will visit phosphorous mines. Meanwhile, when in the Solomon Islands, discussions on cooperation will focus on clean energy, and the president will preside over a performance by a goodwill flotilla. Cultural exchanges will be the main theme of the president's trip to Palau, and while in that nation President Ma will visit conservation areas.  Vice Foreign Minister Lin commented that the aforementioned cooperation projects are all based on the specific needs of each ally and all reflect the principles of "proper goals, legal processes, and effective administration" as directed by the president and are in the spirit of the White Paper on Foreign Aid Policy previously released by the government. In addition, in order to further realize the concept of cultural diplomacy as expressed by the president and highlight the deep ties between the ROC and South Seas cultures, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has specially asked the Executive Yuan's Council of Indigenous Peoples to recommend that the Formosa Aboriginal Song and Dance Troupe accompany the president on the trip and perform in each of the six countries.  Vice Foreign Minister Lin remarked that as this trip is characterized by short stops in each country, planners are looking to streamline the size of the delegation. He said that it is expected that around 50 people will be included in the trip. ]]></description>
            <language>en-us</language>
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            <title><![CDATA[ President and Mrs. Ma attend gathering for foreign diplomatic corps to mark Lunar New Year ]]></title>
            <pubDate>Feb 24, 2010 0:00:00</pubDate>
			<link><![CDATA[ http://www.president.gov.tw/en/prog/news_release/document_content.php?id=1105500130&pre_id=1105500130&g_category_number=145&category_number_2=145 ]]></link>
            <description><![CDATA[ President Ma Ying-jeou, together with Mrs. Ma, attended a Spring Festival party hosted for the Diplomatic Corps by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Grand Hotel on February 24. While there he delivered remarks to the assembled guests.  The president said that during his campaign for the presidency in 2007, he first brought up the idea of flexible diplomacy, stressing that Taiwan must concurrently address cross-strait relations as well as its external relations in order to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.  President Ma said that soon after taking office in May 2008, he sought to resume cross-strait negotiations that had been discontinued for 10 years, with the 1992 Consensus as a foundation. Under that consensus, the two sides both came to accept the idea of "one China, respective interpretations." Since then, he remarked, the two sides have signed 12 agreements and reached one point of consensus, and bilateral relations have been improving step by step in a climate of stability.  The warming of relations between Taiwan and mainland China, he said, has not only resulted in greater security and peace in the Taiwan Strait, but also has paved the way for greater space for Taiwan in the international community. He particularly pointed out that the level of Taiwan's Leader's Representative in the APEC Summit has been raised. Meanwhile, the ROC's Minister of Health has been able to attend the World Health Assembly as an observer. Also, the nation has joined the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) under the World Trade Organization. He said he is very much pleased with these breakthroughs, which come as the result of many years of hard work.  President Ma said that we have been promoting a policy of flexible and aboveboard diplomacy to replace the scorched earth and checkbook approaches adopted by the previous administration. He added that the ROC embraces universal values such as democracy and humanitarianism in facing global challenges. In May of last year, the president indicated, the government released its White Paper on Foreign Aid Policy, which set forth that all foreign assistance should be made with proper goals, through legal processes, and carried out with effective administration. He said that in the future, the ROC will adopt more professional and transparent methods in engaging in cooperation with its friends and allies.  The president remarked that when the same event was held last year, he mentioned the new mission and direction of the ROC's diplomatic work, namely to guide Taiwan's economy towards a new "viable path" of growth and expansion. For our diplomats in the future, he said, improving bilateral economic, trade, cultural, and humanitarian contacts with our allies must be made another part of their daily work. Especially, the president noted, our entry into the GPA will create enormous business opportunities in Europe and the United States, which are estimated to exceed US$900 billion. The president expressed his hopes that personnel stationed overseas will provide more information in this regard in order to enable local companies to take advantage of these opportunities.  President Ma added that we are looking to transform Taiwan into a regional springboard, a global center for innovation, an economic and trade hub in the Asia-Pacific region, an operations headquarters for Taiwan companies worldwide, and a regional headquarters for foreign companies. In this regard, we hope to sign an economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) with mainland China, our largest trading partner, he said. This agreement on the one hand will increase bilateral trade and protect Taiwan investments and intellectual property rights, and will at the same time boost the willingness of foreign companies to invest in Taiwan. Besides discussing the ECFA with mainland China, the president said, we will also negotiate and sign free trade agreements with other major trading partners, thereby preventing Taiwan from being shut out of the process of economic integration within the Asia-Pacific region.  President Ma remarked that as President of the Republic of China, he wants to make the country a responsible stakeholder in the international community. That is to say, the ROC wants to become a peacemaker, not a troublemaker; a developmental and humanitarian assistance provider, not an unconcerned onlooker, he said. Only by acting as a responsible stakeholder can Taiwan become a respectable member of the international community, he said, adding that this is the goal of our foreign policy. ]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[ President Ma meets Solomon Islands Ambassador to the ROC Beraki Jino ]]></title>
            <pubDate>Feb 24, 2010 0:00:00</pubDate>
			<link><![CDATA[ http://www.president.gov.tw/en/prog/news_release/document_content.php?id=1105500129&pre_id=1105500129&g_category_number=145&category_number_2=145 ]]></link>
            <description><![CDATA[ President Ma Ying-jeou met with Solomon Islands Ambassador to the ROC Beraki Jino and Mrs. Jino at the Presidential Office on the morning of February 24. The president expressed his deepest appreciation to Ambassador Jino for the outstanding contributions he has made in promoting friendship and the alliance between the two countries during his six years here.  The president remarked that Ambassador Jino has spared no effort in promoting ties between the two countries during his tenure in Taiwan, which has helped solidify the bonds between the people of the two nations. President Ma specially noted that the National Parliament of the Solomon Islands passed a resolution expressing its concern for the damage caused by Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan last August. He added that the people of the Solomon Islands took substantive action to express their concern. For instance, Chief Stanley Tapeva of one of the nation's tribes, called for donations among his tribespeople, and a total of 1,000 Solomon Islands dollars was collected. The chief then traveled 200 kilometers by a sampan and handed the funds over to the ROC's technical mission stationed in the Solomon Islands. President Ma stressed that the amount of the donation was not important. What moved people, however, were the kind intentions of the people of the Solomon Islands, he said. The president reiterated his deepest appreciation on behalf of the ROC government and people.   President Ma furthermore said that since the two nations established formal diplomatic relations, the Solomon Islands has consistently spoken on behalf of the ROC in the international community. For instance, last year the Solomon Islands expressed its most resolute support for the ROC's participation in the World Health Assembly and entry into the Agreement on Government Procurement. He said the people of the ROC will always remember the action taken by the Solomon Islands on our behalf. President Ma added that he hopes the two nations in the future will continue to promote cooperation projects in the areas of alternative energies, agricultural cooperation and medical assistance.   President Ma noted that the Solomon Islands is the only diplomatic ally of the ROC in the South Pacific that he has visited. He said that he spent one evening in the nation's capital Honiara and was impressed by the beautiful scenery. The Solomon Islands is a place that saw key sea and land battles during World War II, the president said, adding that as a history buff, his travel there 13 years ago still remains fresh in his memory. President Ma said he hopes to have an opportunity in the future to relive the cultural and historical feel of the Solomon Islands. ]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[ President Ma meets US Congressman James Sensenbrenner, Jr. ]]></title>
            <pubDate>Feb 17, 2010 0:00:00</pubDate>
			<link><![CDATA[ http://www.president.gov.tw/en/prog/news_release/document_content.php?id=1105500128&pre_id=1105500128&g_category_number=145&category_number_2=145 ]]></link>
            <description><![CDATA[ President Ma Ying-jeou met with US Congressman James Sensenbrenner, Jr., ranking Republican on the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, at the Presidential Office on the morning of February 17. The president extended a cordial welcome to Congressman and Mrs. Sensenbrenner on their trip to Taiwan during the Lunar New Year holiday.  The president noted that Congressman Sensenbrenner has long been a good friend to Taiwan. He previously visited Taiwan in 2000 and 2003, and has been an advocate of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) as well as the sale of arms to Taiwan. Representative Sensenbrenner was also involved in the drafting of the TRA, the president commented. President Ma remarked that the US administration on January 29 approved the sale of a US$6.4 billion package of arms to Taiwan. The United States government had a legal obligation to make this sale, which is in accordance with the TRA, he said, adding that the arms will help to safeguard Taiwan and to promote cross-strait reconciliation and dialogue. In this regard, the president expressed his appreciation on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan).  The president furthermore stated that since taking office he has adopted many steps to improve relations between Taiwan and mainland China. Negotiations between the two sides resumed after a lapse of 10 years. Over the past 20 months, he said, the two sides have signed 12 agreements and reached one consensus, indicating a warming of ties. In addition, the number of contacts between the two sides has also increased significantly. This shows that the Taiwan Strait is gradually casting off the shadow of war. Furthermore, reconciliation between the two sides is also beneficial with regards to Taiwan's international relations. The president said that he hopes Taiwan will rebuild the mutual trust with the United States, Japan, the European Union, New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia. President Ma also stressed that the decision of arms sale to Taiwan from the United States has helped establish confidence and a sense of security among the government and people of Taiwan, enabling the nation to engage in further reconciliation with mainland China.  President Ma remarked that prior to his presidency, the only cross-strait transportation links were a smattering of charter flights during major holidays. Today, however, 270 flights connect cities on either side of the Taiwan Strait each week, and the number of flights increases to 340 during the Lunar New Year holiday period. Last year, the president said, 600,000 tourists from mainland China visited Taiwan, and 40,000 are spending the new year holiday in Taiwan this year. These are important indicators of the rapprochement between the two sides, he said. Besides aiding in mutual understanding, these increased contacts show that differences should be addressed in a peaceful manner rather than through force.  President Ma stressed that the strong and stable security arrangement between Taiwan and the United States plays an important role in helping to forge an environment of reconciliation in the Taiwan Strait. As Taiwan acquires needed defensive weaponry from the United States, the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan) are working to defend the security of the nation. The president said that various avenues are being used to address differences between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait in a peaceful manner.    The president said that Taiwan and mainland China this year will negotiate an economic cooperation framework agreement. This arrangement will help to institutionalize the over NT$100 billion of trade between the two sides, protect the interests of Taiwan companies, and safeguard intellectual property rights. At the same time, it will maintain Taiwan's sovereignty and protect the interests of its people, especially laborers and farmers, he said.  President Ma said he hopes that Congressman Sensenbrenner's visit to Taiwan will enable the United States to fully understand Taiwan's policies and its desire to continue to maintain friendly relations with the US. This is important to stability in the Asia-Pacific as well as the world, he said. In addition, he said he hopes that in his capacity as ranking Republican on the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, Congressman Sensenbrenner will support Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The president also said that Taiwan hopes in the future to sign an extradition treaty with the United States and to participate in the US visa waiver program.  Congressman Sensenbrenner expressed his appreciation to President Ma for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with him. He said that the United States places emphasis on and hopes to maintain friendly relations with Taiwan and is happy to see Taiwan be an active participant in international organizations. However, he noted that more discussions will need to be held with regards to the extradition treaty and visa waiver program issues.  ]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[ President Ma makes case for ECFA ]]></title>
            <pubDate>Feb 9, 2010 0:00:00</pubDate>
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            <description><![CDATA[ At a February 9 press conference held at the Presidential Office, President Ma Ying-jeou explained to the public the reasoning underlying his administration's policies concerning negotiation of an economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) with mainland China. The pact will include measures focusing on tariff reductions and exemptions as well as on legal protection of investments and intellectual property rights, while the overall aim, he stressed, is to help Taiwan's people do business and boost Taiwan's competitiveness.  President Ma reiterated the major reason for Taiwan to sign an economic agreement with mainland China: Taiwan's competitiveness will be adversely affected by the free trade between ASEAN and the mainland that began on January 1, 2010 in accordance with their Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation. A cross-strait economic agreement, he said, will stimulate foreign direct investment in Taiwan and thereby create more job opportunities for Taiwanese.  As the President further explained, a cross-strait economic agreement will encompass three major areas of concern. First is the matter of tariff reductions and exemptions that will benefit Taiwan's high-volume exports to the mainland. Second is the need for investment protection, requiring the negotiation of a comprehensive set of measures that will enable Taiwanese businesses to safeguard their interests whenever they encounter unfair or unjust treatment in mainland China. Third is the protection of Taiwanese manufacturers' intellectual property rights through arrangements whereby they can avoid being victimized by pirating.  Addressing concerns that a cross-strait economic agreement might hurt certain domestic industries, President Ma stated that the government has formulated three types of remedial assistance programs. "Rejuvenation" assistance is aimed at helping industries that are endangered but have not yet been hurt. "Systematic adjustment" assistance is designed to help industries that have begun to suffer, though not yet heavily, to improve their operations. In the case of industries experiencing severe setbacks, a "damage relief" program administered by the Ministry of Economic Affairs will provide assistance amounting to NT$95 billion (about US$3 billion) over a 10-year period.  In response to widespread concern as to whether Taiwan will open up to mainland labor and agricultural imports, the President underscored the fact that agreements under the World Trade Organization framework do not address movements of laborers, for which reason this will not be a subject of cross-strait negotiations. As for agricultural products, he pointed out that whereas Taiwan has over the years lifted restrictions on importation of 1,415 types of mainland products, his administration has not lifted restrictions on even a single additional category of agricultural goods.   Responding to opposition parties' suspicions that mainland China harbors political designs and schemes to use economic agreements to make Taiwan more dependent on it, President Ma observed that since the mainland became factory to the world, its trade with countries all over the globe has ballooned. In this light, he said, the surging growth of Taiwan's trade with the mainland and investment there is only normal. Pointing out that Taiwan has always hoped to ink free trade agreements with other countries, the President further opined that once a cross-strait economic agreement has been finalized, resistance to and pressure against signing such pacts will lessen, while incentives to do so will increase.  It is his fond hope, said the President, that Taiwan can conclude an economic agreement with mainland China that will strengthen Taiwan, facilitate cross-strait integration, and enable Taiwanese enterprises to extend their reach worldwide, thereby making the nation increasingly open and competitive. ]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[ President Ma speaks at 2010 Taiwan International Science Fair Award Ceremony ]]></title>
            <pubDate>Feb 5, 2010 0:00:00</pubDate>
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            <description><![CDATA[ President Ma delivered a speech at the 2010 Taiwan International Science Fair Award Ceremony on February 5. On behalf of the government and citizens of the Republic of China, he offered a warm welcome to the outstanding students and teachers who had come to Taiwan from 13 different countries to take part in the event.  The president affirmed that science education at the primary and secondary levels is the cornerstone of our nation's development in the sciences, and the key to enhancing our national competitiveness. More importantly, he added, it is the driving force that assures our continued economic and social viability. He pointed out that Taiwan has relied on its outstanding science education over decades to cultivate the nation's talent and develop its intellectual capital, and that these efforts have enabled Taiwan to keep pace with the leading edge in the sciences, as reflected in the outstanding results that local students have achieved in international science fairs. He pointed in particular to Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) and the "Ideas-Inventions-New Products" trade show in Neuremberg, Germany, as notable examples.  The president expressed his thanks to the many supporters who had helped to ensure a successful science fair. In addition to the parents and teachers, he also gave special mention to the generous support provided by Intel Corporation, the K.T. Li Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology, and the GFC Foundation, as well as the Taipei City Department of Education and Jianguo High School, who each year look after the needs of the foreign visitors during their stay in Taiwan.  And finally, the president reminded students that the most important part of an international science fair like this one is the opportunity to interact and learn from each other, for it is the personal encounters and learning experiences among the participants that turn out to be the most significant. He encouraged young people from Taiwan to seize every chance to take part in international gatherings and global activities to broaden their horizons and plumb the mysteries of science, and to seek the betterment of mankind through their contributions in the field of science. ]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[ New Paraguay Ambassador to the ROC Carlos Martinez Ruiz D&iacute;az submits credentials to President Ma ]]></title>
            <pubDate>Feb 5, 2010 0:00:00</pubDate>
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            <description><![CDATA[ The new Ambassador of the Republic of Paraguay to the ROC Carlos Martinez Ruiz D&iacute;az presented his credentials to President Ma Ying-jeou on February 5.  A ceremony in which Ambassador Martinez submitted his credentials was held at the Presidential Building at 5 p.m. Ambassador Martinez was escorted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Acting Director of Protocol Liu Der-li. Secretary General to the President Liouyi Liao and Minister of Foreign Affairs Timothy Chin-tien Yang were also present.    After the conclusion of the formalities, President Ma, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC, expressed a cordial welcome to Ambassador Martinez. The president noted that Paraguay is the ROC's only diplomatic ally in South America, saying the two nations have maintained diplomatic ties for 53 years and the alliance between the two is quite strong. Last year, the president said, he had the honor of attending the inauguration ceremonies for President Fernando Lugo. President Ma remarked that during his trip to Paraguay he deeply sensed the warmth and hospitality of the Paraguayan people, as well as their passion for freedom and democracy.    The president furthermore said that during meeting with President Lugo, he mentioned his hopes that the bilateral cooperative relationship be expanded in areas such as public health and agricultural technology. President Ma stated that besides continuing to provide assistance, the ROC is also engaged in talks with Paraguay on other cooperation projects, adding that he is extremely optimistic on the prospects for future cooperation between the two. The president also stressed that the ROC hopes to solidify its diplomatic relationship with Paraguay. Nonetheless, it does not oppose Paraguay developing non-official trade and economic relations with mainland China.  President Ma commented that the election of President Lugo marked an important milestone in Paraguay's history and completed the first transfer of power among political parties in decades. Taiwan is pleased to invite this important leader from Latin America to visit, he said, adding that he hopes that arrangements for a trip to Taiwan by President Lugo can be realized as soon as possible.  Ambassador Martinez remarked that he feels deeply honored to serve as Paraguay's Ambassador to the ROC. The two nations have forged a close relationship, which proves to the world that geographic distances do not impact the alliance and friendship between the two countries. Ambassador Martinez said that President Lugo is carefully considering an appropriate time to visit Taiwan, and that he believes the visit will be realized in the not too distant future.    ]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[ President Ma meets Riccardo Fraccari, new President of the International Baseball Federation ]]></title>
            <pubDate>Feb 4, 2010 0:00:00</pubDate>
			<link><![CDATA[ http://www.president.gov.tw/en/prog/news_release/document_content.php?id=1105500123&pre_id=1105500123&g_category_number=145&category_number_2=145 ]]></link>
            <description><![CDATA[ President Ma Ying-jeou met with the new President of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) Riccardo Fraccari at the Presidential Office on the afternoon of February 4. The president, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), expressed deep appreciation to Mr. Fraccari for making the long trip to Taiwan. He also expressed his hope that Mr. Fraccari will provide strong support and encouragement for Taiwan's concerted efforts to promote the development of baseball.  The president commented that baseball is Taiwan's national pastime and the government has consistently been a strong supporter. Taiwan is home to about six million baseball fans, and the level of baseball played in Taiwan is among the top five in Asia and the world, he said. The president added that Taiwan maintains frequent contact with the IBAF.  President Ma remarked that over the past 10 years, Taiwan has hosted 13 international baseball tournaments, and quite a few famous players in the international baseball arena have come from Taiwan, including pitchers Wang Chien-ming and Kuo Hong-chih. People have been quite impressed by the performance of these two players in Major League Baseball in the United States, he said. The president told Mr. Fraccari that the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association is currently applying to hold the 17th Intercontinental Baseball Cup tournament later this year. He said he hopes that Mr. Fraccari will support Taiwan's efforts in this regard, adding that the government will do its utmost to ensure that the tournament is a success.  President Ma noted that baseball is no longer an Olympic sport, which is deeply disappointing to baseball fans throughout the world. Currently, the IBAF is working to get baseball back into the Olympics. The ROC, the president said, fully supports this effort and will ask International Olympic Committee Member Wu Ching-kuo and the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association to work together toward this goal.  President Ma said that Taiwan encountered various problems last year in terms of the development of baseball. What transpired deeply disappointed and frustrated the nation's baseball fans. In response, he said he personally convened two meetings at the Presidential Office to discuss the baseball-related issues. Representatives of professional baseball teams here, as well as player and fan representatives, in addition to the Sports Affairs Council and the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association sat down and discussed various problems facing the sport with the hope of preventing similar problems from recurring in the future. President Ma stressed that the government and private sector will need to work hard to revitalize enthusiasm in baseball here. For this, he has specially designated this year to be the year of revitalizing baseball in Taiwan. The government will make every effort to promote baseball and will provide at least NT$1.5 billion of funding for this initiative. In addition to increasing the number of baseball teams, the government wants to see a strong foundation with regards to baseball education, thereby reviving passion for the sport. The president also noted that the Los Angeles Dodgers will come to Taiwan and play here between March 11 and March 14. President Ma said he hopes Mr. Fraccari's visit will help to generate enthusiasm and support the development of baseball here. ]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[ President Ma meets US Republican Party Foreign Policy Consultant Mr. Randall G. Schriver ]]></title>
            <pubDate>Feb 4, 2010 0:00:00</pubDate>
			<link><![CDATA[ http://www.president.gov.tw/en/prog/news_release/document_content.php?id=1105500124&pre_id=1105500124&g_category_number=145&category_number_2=145 ]]></link>
            <description><![CDATA[ President Ma Ying-jeou met with Mr. Randall G. Schriver, the head of a delegation of visiting US Republican Party foreign policy consultants, at the Presidential Office on the afternoon of February 4. The president expressed a warm welcome to Mr. Schriver and the delegation on their visit to Taiwan.  President Ma remarked that two years ago he initiated efforts to improve cross-strait relations and reduce tension between the two sides. He said that he adopted a policy of focusing on economic issues first, followed by political issues later. This has not only helped to strengthen the mutual trust between the two sides, but also has improved Taiwan's relations with the United States, Japan, the European Union, New Zealand, Australia, and nations throughout southern Asia.  The president said that he is pleased by the continuation of the security arrangement between Taiwan and the United States. In addition, he noted that the US Congress last month formally gave the nod to the sale of US$6.4 billion worth of defensive arms to Taiwan, demonstrating that America's policies with regards to its relations with Taiwan transcend partisan politics in the United States.@  President Ma said that while Taiwan and mainland China are developing a closer relationship, Taiwan still looks to the United States to provide support to help it defend itself. This is important as it helps to bolster the sense of security and self-confidence among the people of Taiwan. These are fundamental elements needed as Taiwan engages in more complex interaction and negotiations with mainland China down the road.  The president said that over the past year, relations between the government here and the United States have been moving in the right direction. In addition, mutual trust, stability and frequent contacts are features of the relationship. He said he hopes that the visitors on this trip to Taiwan are able to engage in contact with various sectors and exchange opinions with them on the development of Taiwan-US relations. This will enable the bilateral relationship to continue to move forward, he said.  Mr. Schriver expressed his appreciation on behalf of the group to President Ma for taking time out of his schedule to meet with them. He also said that the group is meeting with many people on this trip. In addition to witnessing the successful development of democracy in Taiwan, they are also seeing the various challenges facing Taiwan. He said they hope that both sides in the future are able to achieve a greater understanding on an array of issues, thereby helping to pave the way for further development of Taiwan-US relations. ]]></description>
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