Gov't invites minister-level US officials to visit in 2012

“It is quite regretful that no minister-level U.S. official has visited Taiwan for the past decade,” said Bruce Linghu, director-general of MOFA's Department of North American Affairs, in a regular news briefing yesterday.

The MOFA is currently extending invitations to Washington to make that happen, Linghu noted.

　　The U.S. side also gave positive response in considering the proposal, he said, adding that hopefully the goal can be accomplished before the end of this year, which will further boost bilateral friendship, he said.

The MOFA official further noted that top officials from the U.S. Department of Commerce and Department of Energy are the main targets of the ministry's invitation efforts, since these areas are closely related to Taiwan.

However, Linghu said it would be “impossible” for top U.S. Department of State officials such as U.S. Secretary of State to embark a trip.

　　Former U.S. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson visited Taiwan on 1998. Ex- Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater came to the country in 2000.

Meanwhile, Linghu yesterday refused to confirm if former U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld will visit Taiwan this October to attend the Republic of China's centennial celebration events.

“We will wait until the time is ripe to make an official announcement,” he noted.

The Chinese-language United Daily News reported on Monday that Rumsfeld will embark a three-day tour to Taiwan, during which he will meet with President Ma Ying-jeou and national security chief and attend celebration events.

Rumsfeld is also scheduled to make a public speech on East Asian regional security issue, the report quoted unidentified government official of making the comment.

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