AIT Managing Director Ingrid Larson Remarks at NYC Diaspora Event
Vice President Lai, Vice Minister Yui, good afternoon. Representative Hsiao, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to be here in New York representing the American Institute in Taiwan.
I always enjoy meeting with members of the Taiwanese diaspora community—you are business and civic-minded leaders whose work is a vital and visible part of the success of the Taiwan community in New York and across the United States.
It’s a particular a honor to meet with you, Mr. Vice President, at the outset of your diplomatic trip to Paraguay.
The Biden administration is committed to expanding Taiwan’s engagement with likeminded partners and diplomatic allies, such as Paraguay. . One way we have done this is through our bilateral initiatives designed to support Taiwan’s relationships around the world, including the U.S.-Taiwan Cooperation on International Development and Assistance, signed last November under the auspices of AIT and TECRO. Initiatives like this one help bring Taiwan’s expertise to the world. The people on Taiwan deserve to participate in the international community, and the international community only benefits from Taiwan’s critical expertise in addressing global challenges.
Vice President Lai, I know this is not the first time you’ve transited the United States as you head south. We hope you have a good visit in Asuncion – a visible sign of Taiwan’s friendship with the region. And now I would like to turn the podium over to AIT Chair Laura Rosenberger, who joins us via video.