Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, arrived in Taipei, Taiwan, leading his first bipartisan delegation, fulfilling his promise to make Taiwan his inaugural overseas trip.

Chairman Royce said: “On behalf of our bipartisan delegation, I want to express our gratitude and appreciation for the hospitality that the people of Taiwan have extended to us. We look forward to fruitful meetings with President Ma and other senior-level officials.

“The U.S.-Taiwan relationship is a cornerstone of peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. As Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, I intend to strengthen this critical friendship and alliance. It is vital that we continue to strengthen economic relations by resuming Trade and Investment Framework Agreement talks, and work towards a U.S.-Taiwan Free Trade Agreement.

“Taiwan and the U.S. also need to work closely to ensure that Taiwan’s defense needs are met through the Taiwan Relations Act. Long a beacon of democracy in the region, it is critical that the U.S. provide Taiwan with the support it needs.”

While in Taiwan, Royce will visit the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastery, and plans to meet with the Temple Master. Earlier this year, Royce gave remarks at the Prayer for World Peace Ceremony at the Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights, the first overseas Temple of Fo Guang Shan.

In addition to his monastery visit, Royce plans to meet with the Mayor of Kaohsiung, Chen Chu, tour the Zuoying Naval Base, and meet with numerous government officials.

Representative Ed Royce is a recognized leader in strengthening relations between the United States of America and Taiwan. In 2012, Royce successfully championed legislative efforts in Congress to grant visa waiver travel from Taiwan to the United States. Last year, Royce stood in support of elevating Taiwan to observer status at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

 

【台灣e新聞按】：
美國眾議院外交委員會主席羅伊斯訪台三天，先到高雄參拜三太子，將再至佛光山拜會星雲法師。聽說他這此次「不方便」去看生病中的台灣前總統陳水扁。本網站覺得實在太奇怪了！