臺北市政府全球資訊網

Secretary of State Mr. Raffensperger, President of Atlanta City Council Ms. Moore, Director General Liu, members of the Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Sister Cities Commission of Atlanta City,ladies and gentles, good evening!
 
On behalf of Taipei city, I would like to thank the Atlanta City Government and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office for receiving us and hosting this special event. I would also like to thank the Center for Puppetry Arts and the Atlanta Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce for your warm reception today!
 
This year is a special year. On November 5, 1979, the City of Atlanta and Taipei City became sister cities, and we have since maintained a close friendship. For the past 40 years, we have overcome the constraints of time and space, engaging in exchanges and collaborations in the areas of urban governance, commerce, education and culture. I am very proud to be able to participate in this visit, where we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our sister city relationship. Let us work together and endeavor toward another 40 years of friendship.
 
Prior to this visit, I have met with the former President of Taiwan, Mr. Lee Teng-hui, who was the Mayor of Taipei when the sister city agreement was signed. After 40 years, Mr. Lee is still in good health. Tonight, we have a special guest who witnessed the signing of the sister city agreement.
 
To my understanding, 56 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King started a civil rights movement in the city, where he used a rational and non-violent approach to pursue racial equality. His commitment in resolving the problem of social inequality drove the American society’s transition toward ethnic harmony and emphasis on human rights. Today, we see an American society with cultural diversity and social cohesion. I hope that I can also endeavor toward building a just and equal society under the ideal of “do the right thing, do things right.” Taiwanese people are very fortunate to be able to enjoy the universal values of democracy, freedom, diversity, openness, human rights, rule of law, and sustainability. In the future, I will continue to uphold and promote these values, create policies that meet people’s everyday needs, and stand with Taipei’s residents to face and resolve all problems.
 
Accompanying me during this visit are five members of the Taipei City Council and representatives from five departments of the Taipei City Government. They are all here today. I encourage everyone to use this opportunity to exchange business cards and experiences with each other. Let us build upon the friendship of two cities.
 
I would like to make an announcement. This year, in addition to the series of events hosted by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office and the Atlanta City Government to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the sister city relationship, the Taipei Symphony Orchestra will visit Atlanta on November 17 to perform at the Georgia State University. I invite everyone as well as your friends and family to attend the event and enjoy the top-notch performance from Taipei, and let residents in Atlanta and Georgia know more about our city.
 
Finally, please join me to give a toast to the long-lasting friendship between Taipei and Atlanta. I wish you all have a great evening!