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進入《TAIPEI TIMES》 Lai meets Paraguayan, American Legion envoys
President William Lai, right, shakes hands with Paraguayan Minister of Foreign Affairs Ruben Ramirez Lezcano at the Presidential Office in Taipei yesterday. Photo courtesy of the Presidential Office via CNA
FIRM PARTNERS:The minister of Paraguay conveyed his president’s staunch friendship, while the legion’s head praised Taiwan’s vigilance in protecting freedom
By Su Yung-yao and Jake Chung / Staff reporter, with staff writer
President William Lai （賴清德） yesterday met with Paraguayan Minister of Foreign Affairs Ruben Ramirez Lezcano and representatives of the American Legion at the Presidential Office.
Lai thanked the Paraguayan government for its staunch support for the inclusion of Taiwan in international bodies, and said that he hoped collaborative projects between the two countries would continue to deepen and create prosperity for the citizens of both countries.
Ramirez and Paraguayan President Santiago Pena also visited Taiwan for Lai’s inauguration in May.
The second visit in just half a year demonstrates Ramirez’s personal friendship with Taiwan and is a symbol of strong Taiwan-Paraguay ties, Lai said.
He thanked Pena for his support during the UN’s Summit of the Future 2024 and Ramirez for writing a personal letter to the general assembly of Interpol and the COP29 summit in Azerbaijan asking to have Taiwan included in world body meetings.
Taiwan and Paraguay have collaborated closely in education, medicine, sanitation, women’s rights, agriculture and husbandry over the past few years, Lai said, adding that he hoped such collaborations would continue to deepen.
Lai also asked Ramirez to convey his sincere best wishes to Pena upon his return.
Ramirez said he wished to convey on behalf of Pena the staunch, immovable and deepening friendship Paraguay has with Taiwan, adding that both countries are strategic partners toward bettering both nations.
He also thanked Taiwan for its support and collaboration and said such actions were more meaningful than in the 67 years since both countries established diplomatic relations.
At a separate meeting, Lai thanked the American Legion for its significant contributions to advancing US veterans’ policies, and for its long-term support of Taiwan-US exchanges and cooperation, which helped deepen their bilateral partnership.
Taiwan values its veterans for their contributions to protecting their homeland, and the country hopes to provide them with even better care, Lai said, adding that he hoped Taiwan could learn more from US experiences and adopt better practices in caring for veterans.
American Legion National Commander James LaCoursiere said the American Legion has had a special relationship with Republic of China veterans for decades.
Taiwan’s understanding of the importance of vigilance and military strength in defending and protecting freedom is rare and much needed in today’s tumultuous world, he said.
The American Legion and Taiwanese have a common goal: “to carry the legacy forward of our men and women in the military,” LaCoursiere said.
The Daniel Webster quote — “Liberty exists in proportion to wholesome restraint; the more restraint on others to keep off from us, the more liberty we have” — sums up the people of Taiwan, he added.
新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES
President William Lai, right, cheers with American Legion National Commander James LaCoursiere at the Presidential Office in Taipei yesterday. Photo courtesy of the Presidential Office via CNA
