Hu leads giveaways of Taiwan-
made computers and bicycles in
its sister city, Kwajalein Atoll.

Hu leads giveaways of Taiwan-
made computers and bicycles in
its sister city, Kwajalein Atoll.

A police marching band
presents the colors of both
countries at the Ebeye Pier to
welcome Taichung City's
delegation.

Hu speaks at the 16th Annual
Mayors' Conference and the
8th Annual Leadership
Conference in the Marshall
Islands.

After the goodbye party, Mayor
Hu is photographed with Mrs.
Kabua and Imata Kabua, the
former president of the RMI, as
well as Iroijlaplap and
President Litokwa Tomeing.

Mayor Hu enjoys himself at the
farewell appreciation party.

Journey to the West: The signing of a Sister-City Agreement (Part 2)

Words and photos by Taichung City Government
Translated by Ann Lee

Mayor Hu Presents Taiwan-Made Bikes and Computers to Kwajalein Atoll
In order to welcome Jason Hu to Kwajalein Atoll, the president of the Marshall Islands, Imata Kabua, flew to Majuro to greet the Taichung mayor and then accompanied him on a tour of the city. When Hu and his group arrived at the Kwajalein airport, they were met by local members of congress and other well-wishers. After a few introductions and welcoming words, the group boarded the former president's private boat and sailed to Ebeye, where Hu and his delegation were warmly welcomed by Johnny Lemari, the mayor of Kwajalein Atoll, as well as local government officials, a police marching band and flag squadron, and the residents of Ebeye.

Mayor Hu had brought a generous amount of Taiwanese-made bicycles and computers to the islands and wanted to donate them to locals at a special ceremony. Those present at the ceremony included: the president, Imata Kabua, the former president of the RMI, Iroijlaplap, the Foreign Minister, Minister in Assistance to the President, the Speaker of Nitijela, the Minister of Resources and Development, Marshall Islands senators, an ambassador-at-large, and the Kwajalein City Mayor. At the ceremony, the group displayed the Taiwanese products and a group of local children performed a splendid traditional dance to welcome the visitors. After the dance, the Taichung City Symphony Orchestra Quartet performed.

During the ceremony that marked the sister-city agreement, Taichung's Mayor Jason Hu gave a speech. In his speech, Hu said, "In one afternoon, the tour group had driven, flown, and even sailed until they finally arrived in Ebeye. This particular sister-city visit, and the journey here, won't be forgotten by the government team any time soon." After his speech the mayor and his accompanying government team gave away 200 Taiwanese-made bicycles and 5 computers to local students and organizations; he also rode with the participating guests to the ceremony, and took plenty of photographs to capture the special moment. After the ceremony, Mayor Hu was invited by the former president and the Foreign Minister of the Marshall Islands, to take a ride in the car with government officials and Ambassador Bruce J.D. Linghu, so they could enjoy a thorough tour of Ebeye. Hu and the delegation delightfully accepted their hospitality and stayed in the city for about an hour longer than their scheduled time.

Hu's Spectacular Speeches Bring Attention to Taichung
Every year, around 24 mayors from around the Marshall Islands attend the "Annual Mayor's Conference". In recent years, this national conference has joined with their "Leadership Conference" to create a bigger, better, more productive meeting. While visiting the islands, Taichung's own mayor, Jason Hu, was invited to attend this event. This particular event, which was a combination of the 16th Annual Mayors' Conference and the 8th Annual Leadership Conference, was hosted by Norman Matthew, the Minister of Internal Affairs.
As the guest speaker, Mayor Jason Hu gave a speech about his career journey through central Taiwan's government and explained how a love for the city and a desire to see it succeed is what the job is all about. He ended his speech by saying, "If every mayor can do their job well by being a mayor that the city deserves, then this world would be a better place."

Mayor Hu was also asked to speak at the Marshall Islands Chamber of Commerce; this event was hosted by Hirobo Obeketang, President of the Marshall Islands Chamber of Commerce. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. deBrum, also attended this meeting. The entire event started with a performance by the Taichung City Symphony Orchestra. Afterwards, Mayor Hu gave a PowerPoint presentation that was full of information about Taichung. Hu touched on everything from the geographical environment to economy and culture, and elaborated on all of the cultural activities that take place in the city. Obeketang was especially impressed with the presentation and there are plans in the making for a business visit to Taiwan.

Saying farewell to our Sister City
The night before the Taichung team was set to leave its sister city, Mayor Hu planned a farewell dinner party to show his appreciation for his new friends from the Marshall Islands. He invited President Litokwa Tomeing and his wife; Marshall Islands government officials; Imata Kabua, the Former President of the RMI; and Iroijlaplap, the former Foreign Minister; as well as Mrs. Kabua, members of the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Health Bureau, social workers from the technical group, and other honored guests. Hu wanted to show these guests his appreciation for their hospitality and assistance, while at the same time reiterating his desire to form a tighter bond between the two cities.

The highlight of the evening came when the Taichung Symphony Orchestra was asked to do several encores, as they ended the night with a traditional Taiwanese folk song. The guests from the Marshall Islands did their best to sing along with the tune, "Gao Shan Qing", to show their appreciation for Mayor Hu and the quartet. Though the visit to Taichung's sister city ended that night, the connection between Taichung and Kwajalein Atoll is far from over. Both cities are looking forward to a future of growing together and using friendship to forge strong connections in a global environment.

Mayor Hu delivers a speech to the Marshall Islands Chamber of Commerce.