August 27, 2013
No. 66
Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Wang Yu-chi flew to Macao this morning (August 27). He was received by Alexis Tam, chief- of-cabinet of the Macao Chief Executive’s office, and granted courtesy clearance at customs. That afternoon, Minister Wang met with Macao Chief Executive Fernando Chui at the Macao Government Headquarters. This is Minister Wang's first visit to Macao and also marks the first formal meeting between with the Chief Executive of Macao and Minister of the MAC. The two sides addressed each other by their official titles. This has deep significance for the future development of Taiwan's bilateral relations with Macao, Hong Kong and mainland China.
Chief Executive Chui welcomed Minister Wang and requested his support on issues of concern to Macao, such as travel/tourism and higher education and personnel training. Minister Wang thanked the Macao side for the assistance and courtesy arrangements extended during his visit. He also expressed delight over the significant progress made in Taiwan-Macao relations. Minister Wang further stated that every effort would be made to promote issues beneficial to the people of Taiwan and Macao. For example, on the matter of recognizing academic qualifications, especially for several renowned universities of importance to the Macao government, Minister Wang noted that the MAC has coordinated with the Ministry of Education to achieve progress and optimistically expects to have good news this year. Minister Wang also hoped that Taiwan and Macao would strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the area of travel and tourism.
The main purpose of Minister Wang's visit to Macao this time is to inspect the operations of Taiwan's Macao office on the second anniversary of its renaming and give support and encouragement to the colleagues in the office. In the evening, Minister Wang will hold a dinner for leaders of Taiwan associations and business groups to thank them for their contributions to Taiwan-Macao exchange affairs and support for the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.
Minister Wang is accompanied by Acting Director of the MAC's Department of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Chen Ming-jen and others. Minister Wang will visit the Macao World Heritage Site tomorrow morning (August 28) and is scheduled to fly back to Taiwan that afternoon.