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TO COMMEND AND SUPPORT THE DEMOCRATIZATION EFFORTS OF TAIWAN AND THE NATION'S MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION IN THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION, AND THE UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE, AS WELL AS OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS.
Whereas, in January of 2012, Taiwan held its fifth direct presidential election and again demonstrated the strength and vitality of its democratic system, paving the way for Taiwan as a beacon of democracy in Asia and beyond; and
Whereas, under President Ma Ying-jeou's administration, Taiwan has committed to achieving peace and co-prosperity with mainland China since 2008, and President Ma's recent re-election victory shall serve the best interests of the Asia-Pacific region in the continuation of stability and growth; and
Whereas, Taiwan and the United States are longstanding allies who both deeply cherish the common values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law; and
Whereas, Taiwan is the United States' ninth largest trading partner, and the United States is Taiwan's third-largest trading partner; and
Whereas, in December of 2011, Taiwan was nominated for inclusion in the United States' Visa Waiver Program, a significant step to draw travelers from Taiwan who choose the United States as their destination for sightseeing, higher education, trade, and investment; and
Whereas, the State of South Carolina and Taiwan have enjoyed long, cordial, and mutually beneficial sister-state relations since 1981, a friendship that continues to strengthen with each passing year; and
Whereas, Taiwan is an active member in the international community with a long history of commitment to international health and humanitarian aid, as well as environmental protection. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the Senate of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, commend and support the democratization efforts of Taiwan and the nation's meaningful participation in the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, as well as other international organizations.
Be it further resolved that the Senate welcomes all opportunities, such as resuming meetings of the US-Taiwan Trade and Investment Framework Agreement and the inclusion of Taiwan in the United States' Visa Waiver Program, to enhance the special sister-state bond between South Carolina and Taiwan, and encourages further cultural, educational, and business exchanges between the citizens of South Carolina and Taiwan.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Ms. Anna A. Kao, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta.
This web page was last updated on March 15, 2012 at 11:30 AM