On May 1, the Oklahoma State Senate and House of Representatives separately passed resolutions reaffirming the state’s support for strengthening bilateral relations with Taiwan and meaningful participation in international organizations.
Under the proposal of Oklahoma State Senator Roland Pederson (R-OK19), the State Senate passed the Senate-friendly resolution on the morning of May 1. Similarly, State Representatives Daniel Pae (R-OK62) and Judd Strom (R-OK10) jointly proposed the resolution in the State House of Representatives, which was also passed on the same day. Through this resolution, both chambers of the Oklahoma State Legislature expressed their willingness to continue enhancing bilateral trade and investment with Taiwan, thereby assisting the state government in establishing a business office in Taiwan. Additionally, the Oklahoma Legislature affirmed its steadfast support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), World Health Organization (WHO), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
On that day, Ambassador Xiao Yifang from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston was invited to the Senate and House to offer remarks and deliver speeches. She interacted with Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell and the Senators and Representatives present, receiving warm welcomes and earnest support from them.
During her speech, Xiao Yifang emphasized that Taiwan is an indispensable partner in the world, playing a vital role in the global economy as a major supplier of semiconductors. She expressed gratitude for the longstanding support Taiwan has received from the United States and Oklahoma. Taiwan shares universal values of democracy and freedom with the US and Oklahoma. In the 45 years since the Taiwan Relations Act came into effect, bilateral interactions, exchanges, and collaborations have deepened continuously. After establishing sister-state relations with Oklahoma in 1980, cooperation between Taiwan and Oklahoma has continued to grow, with expectations for even more fruitful outcomes in the future and further solidifying of bilateral relations.