PR-2136
August 9, 2021
AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk’s Meeting with Foreign Minister Joseph Wu
Earlier today, AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk met with Foreign Minister Joseph Wu for the first time since assuming duties as Director of the American Institute in Taiwan. They discussed a wide range of issues, including the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, trade and economic issues, the COVID-19 pandemic, and cooperation aimed at expanding Taiwan’s international space.
In her opening remarks, Director Oudkirk said, “I am glad to be back in Taiwan. It is an exciting time to be the Director of AIT with the U.S.-Taiwan relationship at an all-time high. I am looking forward to expanding and deepening our partnership.”
Director Oudkirk also highlighted U.S.-Taiwan cooperation on COVID-19, including Taiwan’s donation of personal protective equipment to the United States and American donations of vaccines to Taiwan, as well as recent announcements of vaccine donations for Taiwan from European partners. Director Oudkirk expressed that Taiwan’s exclusion from the World Health Assembly is detrimental to our collective international efforts to get the pandemic under control and prevent future health crises.
Director Oudkirk also stressed the common democratic values that the United States and Taiwan share and underscored the United States’ enduring commitment to Taiwan.