PR-2143
September 2, 2021
AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk’s August 30 – September 2 Meetings with Taiwan Officials
American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Sandra Oudkirk continued to have introductory meetings with Taiwan counterparts this week to exchange views on a wide range of issues of importance to both the United States and Taiwan.
On August 30, Director Oudkirk met with Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je to discuss bilateral cooperation through Taipei’s Sister City partnerships and Mayor Ko’s key priorities. Later in the day, Director Oudkirk and Minister of Science and Technology Wu Tsung-tsong met to discuss implementation of the U.S.-Taiwan Science and Technology Agreement, the responsible development of artificial intelligence, and Taiwan’s support for the Talent Circulation Alliance initiative. On August 31, Director Oudkirk met with New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih to discuss economic recovery and COVID-19-related developments in New Taipei City. This was followed by Director Oudkirk’s meeting with Minister of Agriculture Chen Chi-chung, where they exchanged views on advancing U.S.-Taiwan agricultural cooperation. Later in the day, Director Oudkirk and Minister of Culture Lee Yung-te discussed U.S.-Taiwan cooperation and cultural exchanges and witnessed the signing of an agreement between Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture and the Foundation for Scholarly Exchange (Fulbright Taiwan) to launch a new grant that will provide Taiwanese art professionals professional development opportunities in the United States.
On September 1, Director Oudkirk and Minister of Finance Su Jain-rong met to talk about the Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue and supply chain issues. Later in the day, Director Oudkirk visited Minister of Labor Hsu Ming-chun to discuss how COVID-19 has impacted Taiwan’s labor policy. In a meeting with Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) Chairman James Huang, Director Oudkirk thanked TAITRA for facilitating business opportunities between the United States and Taiwan. Director Oudkirk concluded this week’s courtesy calls by meeting Taiwan Council for U.S. Affairs (TCUSA) Chairperson Yang Jen-ni on September 2 to discuss issues of mutual interest.
During these meetings, Director Oudkirk reiterated her commitment to advancing and deepening the U.S.-Taiwan partnership, stressed the common democratic and economic values that the United States and Taiwan share, and emphasized the United States’ enduring commitment to Taiwan.