By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

Ambassador Mathew S. Lee said the three National/State Stimulus Projects projects it has funded through grants in Ngarchelong State further strengthen the bilateral relations between Palau and Taiwan.
Lee and President Remengesau and top government official were among the special guests of honor during the inauguration ceremony of two recently completed projects and groundbreaking of a $1.2 million dock on Tuesday in Ngarchelong. (See full story on page 1).
Lee said it is a great honor to be part of the occasion, which is an opportunity for him to extend his deep appreciation to all the participants of these projects "for their great efforts to accomplish a job well done."
He said that Palau and Taiwan are two island brother countries, recalling a speech made by President Remengesau in Taiwan in which the latter was saying that the relation between the two nations is more than friendship, "it is brotherhood, just like blood is thicker than water."
"Today’s ceremonies include the two projects that we have just completed and another to begin. This means that our cooperative projects will be continuos, one after another, year after year," he said.
Lee said this also symbolizes the effort to work together "to develop your beautiful country beyond that of a paradise, and that our brotherhood bond will remain forever."
Lee told the guests that also included governors, traditional chiefs, Ngarchelong women from Kroro and residents, the opportunity to travel with Remengesau on his state visit to Taiwan.
"During this visit I witnessed how a great leader love and care for his country and its people," Lee said adding that Remengesau’s major focus and objective while meeting the leadership of Taiwan was how to improve the lives of the Palauan people.
Lee said that as a result of that visit, the 3.3 million no-interest loan to help save the Pacific Savings Bank crisis was granted.
He said that, without the president’s efforts, the loan would not be realized.
"I admire and celebrate will all of you for having such an unparalleled leader who cares for his people," he said.
"A friend in need is a friend indeed. We appreciate your support of Taiwan in the international community, We cherish your friendship in pursuit of justice. We cherish our brotherhood. Let us work together for democracy, freedom, peace and prosperity of Palau and Taiwan," Lee concluded in his speech.