Maroc - TAIWANTODAY.TW - Top News - 01/Jul 00:00

President Lai praises international defense training program

President Lai Ching-te said July 11 that Taiwan will continue to enhance its national defense capabilities and strengthen cooperation with other democracies to maintain regional peace and stability.   Lai made the remarks while receiving high-ranking military, police and civil service officials joining a training course organized by National Defense University. The participants come from the Spanish-speaking countries of Belize, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Spain.   According to the president, the officials’ presence signals their support for Taiwan and serves to deepen the friendship between democracies. The purpose of the course is to enhance the close military and security cooperation between Taiwan and its friends, Lai said, adding that in addition to six lectures organized by the Taoyuan City-based NDU, attendees will be taken to visit government agencies as well as military and cultural institutions and facilities.   Lai said that his duty as president and commander-in-chief is to ensure that the country endures and progresses, and that its people are safeguarded, especially in the face of the rising threat to regional stability China poses as it continues to escalate its gray zone aggression in the Taiwan Strait and the surrounding region.   The president went on to say that he hopes the training course will provide opportunities for further experience sharing between Taiwan and other countries, with participants engaging in wide-ranging discussions and collaborations. He encouraged attendees to work with Taiwan to spur development in their respective countries and become a key force in promoting international peace and stability.   Established in 1971, the course at NDU enrolls military leaders and public officials from friendly nations around the world to facilitate cooperation between their respective countries as well as with Taiwan. (YCH-E)   Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw