[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Pages 6336-6337]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TAIWAN'S PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION

  Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, on the occasion of his upcoming 
inauguration for his second term in office, I am pleased to commend 
Republic of China, Taiwan, President Ma Ying-jeou. President Ma has 
shown himself to be a dedicated public servant, continually electing to 
serve his nation even through difficult times.
  During his first term, President Ma--like many world leaders had to 
struggle with the worldwide economic crisis. His stewardship during 
this difficult time helped Taiwan avoid some of the worst disasters 
that other countries have faced and also helped Taiwan recover more 
quickly than many other countries.
  Taiwan has been a great economic partner for Alaska in the past years 
under President Ma's leadership, and we are fortunate to have such a 
relationship. Taiwan has remained in Alaska's top 20 export markets for 
the past 15 years. Alaska's exports to the country have totaled more 
than $22 million in sectors such as energy, forest products, machinery, 
and seafood products. In addition, Taiwan is one of Alaska's three 
sister states or provinces, and it is my hope that we will continue 
this sister-state exchange for many years to come.
  We witnessed during President Ma's first years in office his 
diligence in dealing with economic and international challenges, and 
the upcoming 4 years for President Ma will continue to be challenging. 
I am confidant President Ma will overcome difficulties and serve his 
nation to the best of his ability.
  Once again, I offer my congratulations to President Ma, and I wish 
him all the success in his future endeavors, and for the future of 
Taiwan.

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