99th anniversary of the National Day of the Republic of China, Taiwan

Ambassador Elizabeth Y.F. Chu of the Taipei Representative Office in Greece, welcomed her guests at the entrance of the big reception hall, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion, with radiating warmth and a friendly smile.

Among the guests there were politicians, diplomats, businessmen from Greece and Cyprus, as well as distinguished figures from the academic community. In her welcoming speech, Ambassador Chu made reference to the present financial and economic crisis which, she said, is not exclusively a Greek problem.

As her country has done in the past, she expressed her certainty that, with perseverance, hard work and some special measures, the Greek people and the government will overcome the crisis. She pointed out that the bilateral relations between Taiwan and China have entered a more harmonious path, through the signing of a historical agreement, the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, dealing first with the easy issues and leaving the more “thorny” ones out. Thus, through dialogue, Taiwan and China worked to achieve peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, which is of great interest to all countries in the region.

Regarding the relations between Taiwan and Greece, as well as between Taiwan and Cyprus, Ambassador Chu said that, as democratic and law abiding societies which respect human rights, she hopes to strengthen further the cooperation between our people in this global village.

This year the reception was enriched with pleasant surprises. In one side of the big reception hall, a group of Taiwanese delegates, together with Greek representative companies of Taiwanese renowned brands, exhibited their products. This was an opportunity for the guests to see the technological and industrial progress of Taiwan.

Last, but not least, the celebration was enriched with a group of singers who sang a few beautiful Greek songs and a Greek dancing group with the dancers, dressed in the characteristic costumes, danced various fabulous local dances from the Aegean islands. This was a pleasant surprise for the guests.

The reception was complimented with a rich buffet, with the most popular section being that of the Chinese food.

At the 99th anniversary of the Republic of China, Taiwan, the guests were profoundly joyous, celebrating and blessing with warm regards the Taiwanese people. We all look forward to the next anniversary celebration – the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic, which will be a centennial celebration. The Taiwanese look at the past with pride and towards the future with certainty.