TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In recognition of her significant contributions to Taiwan-U.S. relations, the outgoing director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Sandra Oudkirk (孫曉雅), received a diplomacy medal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday (July 2), presented by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) on behalf of the ministry.
Lin lauded Oudkirk for her exceptional contributions to the substantive partnership between Taiwan and the U.S. over the past three years. He noted that bilateral cooperation across various sectors has achieved unprecedented progress under her leadership.
Lin pointed out that the U.S.'s commitment to Taiwan remains unwavering, indicating that amid Taiwan's front-line defense of democracy and opposition to authoritarian expansionism, the Biden administration has not only announced its 15th arms sale to Taiwan a few weeks ago but also authorized foreign military financing to provide military aid to Taiwan using presidential powers.
Lin emphasized that Taiwan-U.S. relations continue to expand and institutionalize in other areas. These include signing the first "U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade" in June last year and the expansion of Taiwan-U.S. cooperation in third countries.
Oudkirk expressed that serving the American people in Taiwan twice was a great honor in her life.
She witnessed the connections between Taiwan and the U.S. becoming broader and deeper. Even as the world faces increasingly complex challenges, the long-standing relationship between Taiwan and the U.S. has become more steadfast.
Oudkirk stated that it was her last week as the AIT director, and she is extremely proud of promoting cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. on various issues.
From supporting Taiwan's self-defense capabilities and promoting global supply chain resilience to deepening bilateral people-to-people relations, she is very grateful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for being a reliable partner and friend of the AIT for decades.
Oudkirk looks forward to seeing everyone again soon and wants to say "See you later" instead of "Goodbye."