Lai Ching-te
AHEAD of Gov. Arnold I. Palacios’ off-island trip to join Guam leaders in a luncheon meeting with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, Sen. Celina R. Babauta introduced Senate Commemorative Resolution 23-8, extending “sincere congratulations” to Lai’s “historic election.”
Acting Gov. David M. Apatang in an interview on Thursday said he and the governor were invited to the luncheon meeting at the Hyatt Regency Guam, Thursday, but they could not both leave the Commonwealth so he had to stay.
Apatang said the governor left Thursday morning and will be back today, Friday morning. Joining the governor in Guam, Apatang said, were Sens. Babauta, Jude Hofschneider and Dennis Mendiola.
“They are having luncheon today at the Hyatt in Guam. Last night, the Taiwan president arrived on Guam. So they are all meeting with him,” Apatang said.
He said the CNMI is trying to get tourists and investors from Taiwan, “that is why it’s important that we meet with the Taiwan president.” He noted that the CNMI has a good relationship with Taiwan.
“We had a Marianas Visitors Authority office in Taiwan during the time of Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio,” Apatang said.
Today, he added, “we are trying to promote tourism there also — it’s one of our closest Asian partners.”
Senate resolution
S.C.R. 23-8 states that President Lai, who was elected on Jan. 13, 2024 and was sworn in on May 20, 2024, “has demonstrated exceptional leadership in strengthening the bilateral relationships between the CNMI and Taiwan, fostering close economic ties, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections.”
The resolution stated that Lai has been “a steadfast advocate for peace, stability, and democracy in the Indo-Pacific region, and a champion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. His strong advocacy for democratic values and human rights aligns with the CNMI’s own commitment to these principles.”
“The CNMI and the Republic of China (Taiwan) share a deep and enduring friendship built on shared values of democracy, freedom, and economic prosperity,” the resolution stated.
Moreover, the CNMI “recognizes the important role that Taiwan plays in the global economy, particularly in the areas of technology, manufacturing, and healthcare.”
Likewise, the CNMI “reaffirms its strong support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations including the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Criminal Police Organization and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.”
