OT-2054
December 18, 2020
Remarks by AIT Director W. Brent Christensen
On the Announcement of
the U.S.-Taiwan Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement
December 18, 2020
(as prepared for delivery)
Foreign Minister Wu, Minister of Science and Technology Wu Tsung-tsong, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs CC Chen, other esteemed guests, good afternoon!
I am delighted to be a part of this ceremony for the signing of this new U.S.-Taiwan Science and Technology Agreement, an important outcome of the U.S.-Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue.
Having previously served as an Environment, Science, Technology and Health officer at Embassy Pretoria and then later as the Environment, Science Technology and Health Counselor in Embassy Beijing, I have a clear understanding and appreciation for how important this agreement will be for the U.S.-Taiwan relationship.
While the United States and Taiwan have signed many S&T cooperation MOUs, this agreement will allow that relationship to significantly deepen and grow.
This agreement provides a much-needed legal structure for further collaboration to advance scientific research, unleash technological innovation and ensure research integrity and intellectual property protection.
More importantly, this agreement is symbolic of the trust and the values that we both share.
The United States and Taiwan have an impressive record of cooperation and joint achievements, particularly in the area of science and technology. Our shared traditions of innovation and entrepreneurship ensure that both the United States and Taiwan will benefit from our continued scientific and technological engagements.
I am confident that the whole world will continue to benefit from the ongoing innovative scientific and technological cooperation between the United States and Taiwan, as our most brilliant minds from industries, academia, and research communities work together to meet the challenges ahead. As we often like to say, the United States and Taiwan are “Real Friends” making “Real Progress” together. 真朋友, 真進展 (Zhen pengyou, zhen jinzhan)
