Taipei, June 29 (CNA) Taiwan's new de facto ambassador to Thailand has said that his goal in the new posting is to showcase and utilize Taiwan's advantages in the areas of economic and trade integration, talent exchange and regional links to the Southeast Asian country.
The Presidential Office released a presidential order on Thursday, formally appointing Tung Chen-yuan, an adviser to the National Security Council, as de facto ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Thailand.
Tung will head the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand.
Taiwan does not maintain diplomatic relations with Thailand, but non-governmental relations between the two countries have been warm since Bangkok switched diplomatic ties from Taipei to Beijing in 1975.
Asked about his new position, Tung said he will not be able to take up the post in Thailand before mid-July because he has to first receive a briefing from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about his mission.
Thailand is a very important country in the government's New Southbound Policy, he said, expressing the hope that he will be able to showcase Taiwan's strengths in the areas of economic and trade integration, talent exchange and regional links to Thailand.
He will do the job to the utmost of his ability, Tung pledged.
Tung, a distinguished professor at the Graduate Institute of Development Studies at National Chengchi University, has served as deputy minister of the Mainland Affairs Council and Cabinet spokesman. The Presidential Office praised him for his experience in administrative affairs, expressing confidence that he will help enhance links with Thailand.
