His Excellency Representative Simon Tu hosted a reception in honour of Republic of China (Taiwan) 105th National Day on 4 October 2016. Dignitaries from all walks of Irish life attended the annual event to show their support for friendship with Taiwan and for closer economic and cultural relations between our two countries. There was a warm and festive atmosphere as figures from politics, business, academia, tourist, and the arts were joined by members of the Taiwanese community and their Irish friends and family.
In his address to the gathering, Representative Tu said that the recent election of President Tsai Ing-wen was yet another marker of Taiwan’s steadfast commitment to democracy. He outlined the new Government’s agenda, making mention of its plans for economic development, social reforms, pragmatic diplomacy, and responsible management of cross-strait relations. He also stressed Taiwan’s longstanding interest in international aid and development, and the Government’s desire to contribute to global wellbeing by participating in international organisations on a pragmatic basis.
The Chairperson of the Taiwan-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Society, John McGuinness T.D., followed with a gracious and heartening speech in support of Taiwan. He and Representative Tu then jointly cut the National Day Cake in honour of the birthday of Asia’s oldest republic. Before the buffet, attendees also enjoyed performances by Mr. Wu Hongren, a talented young Taiwanese flautist, and by a string quartet from the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Ireland’s most prestigious musical conservatoire.
The Taipei Representative Office wishes to thank all involved for making the event such a success.
[PHOTO CAPTION 1] Representative Tu gives his address at the 105th National Day celebration
[PHOTO CAPTION 2] Attendees at the 105th National Day celebration
[PHOTO CAPTION 3] The Royal Irish Academy of Music string quartet
[PHOTO CAPTION 4] Display stand for Taiwan’s award-winning single malt Kavalan Whisky
