[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 29, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E95-E96]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING PARTNERSHIP OF IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY ENGLISH AND 
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM AND TAIWAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 29, 2003

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the success of 
the Idaho State University English and Professional Development Program 
in partnership with the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This unique 
program, the only program of its kind in the United States, provides a 
language and cultural education program for junior diplomatic officers 
in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Over 40 students have completed the 
program since its inception in the early 1990's, and many of these 
graduates now serve their country in diplomatic postings throughout the 
world.
  The program enables these junior officials to increase their 
knowledge of the American political system, enhance their language 
skills, and gain a greater understanding of U.S. culture. Instead of 
just learning about America in textbooks they have the unique 
opportunity to experience and participate in the American system by way 
of local internships and interactions with elected officials. 
Additionally, they can experience Idaho's natural beauty and 
participate in numerous outdoor activities. Not only does this program 
benefit these officials, but it also benefits the students of Idaho 
State University who are exposed to a different culture and 
perspective, broadening their world view and understanding.
  Recently, I had the opportunity to meet the current group of junior 
diplomats studying at Idaho State University. They are an intelligent, 
energetic group who are eager to serve their country. We had a healthy 
exchange of ideas and a good discussion regarding the American 
political system and current events in Taiwan. They are very interested 
in gaining as much knowledge and insight as possible during their stay 
in America and look forward to using what they have learned as they 
progress in their diplomatic careers.
  I congratulate the 2002-2003 participants of this very worthwhile 
program. Chen Sy-yun, Fu Yu-min, Huang Chien-tsai, Chin Tsung-kai, and 
Hsiao Kuang-wei are very able representatives of their country and I am 
sure that like their predecessors they will serve their country with 
honor and distinction. I wish them success in all their future 
endeavors.
  This exchange of ideas serves both countries well and reinforces the 
democratic bond between the United States and Taiwan. Positive 
associations such as this strengthen the tie between our two countries 
and further reinforce the importance of Taiwan as a trusted ally.
  I am honored to have this program in my congressional district and 
look forward to a continued successful relationship with Taiwan.
  I would like to thank the Honorable C. J. Chen, Taiwan's chief 
representative in the United States, for his contribution to the close 
and friendly relationship between our two countries. I would also like 
to thank Mr. Anthony Chung Yi Ho, Senior Assistant to the Honorable C. 
J. Chen, for his expertise and leadership in working with my staff, and 
Michelle Lewis, Director of the Idaho State University English and 
Professional Development Program, for her dedication and commitment to 
this unique program.

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