By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

Matthew S. Lee, the new ambassador of Taiwan in Palau, has assured his country’s continuing support here as he was officially welcomed by members of the Senate during its Opening of the Ninth Regular Session last Tuesday Jan. 9.
Lee said it is a privilege to serve as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and an honor to meet good friends here in Palau.
He also took the opportunity to convey his warmest greetings to all Palauans and the best wishes from Taiwan government for the continued strong ties between the two countries.
"The Republic of Palau, under your great leadership, has made tremendous progress in every field. The Republic of Palau is now a full-pledged democracy, a booming economy, and a prosperous society, all of which have benefited each and every citizen of your good nation," said Lee, who replaced Clark H. Chen.
Chen left the post last month after six years leaving a legacy of multi-million dollar grants for infrastructure projects that included museum, cultural center, sports facilities, roads, medical clinics, eco-tourism to name a few.
Lee said that such outstanding achievements have won worldwide recognition and respect and elevated the international status of Palau.
"The friendship between our two countries have been closer and stronger over the years. It is based on our shared values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights as well as other universal values," Lee said.
He said that it is his responsibility and a great pleasure and honor to enhance the existing cordial relations by promoting common interests in all fields.
"In the past three weeks, I noticed that there is a wonderful slogan "Preserve the best, improve the rest" in Palau, I will follow this to further strengthen our relations," he said.
He added that in doing so, he cherish the thought that he shall always have Congress’s generous support.
The Senators hosted Amb. Lee to a lunch at the Internet Café and Restaurant in Melekeok proper along with Governors Horace Rafael of Angaur and Jackson Ngiraingas of Peleliu.
Lee had the opportunity to share his diplomatic work experiences and his travels in other countries with the Senators.
Lee also distributed "Taiwan Image 2007" calendar to them.