Focus Taiwan
Date: 2016/03/15
By: S.C. Chang

Houston, March 14 (CNA) President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) made a stopover in Houston on Sunday, the city’s “Taiwanese Friendship Day,” on his way to Guatemala as part of his last overseas trip before his term ends in May.

During a dinner party held in honor of Ma, he was warmly welcomed by Taiwanese expats and U.S. politicians, including Congressman Blake Farenthold and Texas House of Representatives members Gene Wu, Sarah Davis and Phil Stephenson.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Austin Mayor Steve Adler sent their greetings to the president.

In recognition of the importance of its relationship with Taiwan, Houston announced March 13 as Taiwanese Friendship Day and Port Lavaca designated Sunday as President Ma Ying-jeou Day.

Shen Lyu-shun (沈呂巡), Taiwan’s top representative in the United States, said this was the 18th U.S. city where Ma has made a stopover on route to Taiwan’s Latin American allies or on his way back home from those visits.     [FULL  STORY]