2026/5/27
It’s an everyday routine for a diplomat to meet with elected officials of the host country. But what if that representative happens to be the Congresswoman for the very district where your official residence is located?
The atmosphere naturally becomes incredibly cozy and relaxed. We were practically just missing a bowl of sunflower seeds to make it a perfect homestyle chat.
This unique local connection gave Director General Jason Ma’s first meeting with U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (D-CA) a wonderfully warm and neighborly vibe, making the exchange exceptionally cordial.
Knowing Rep. Friedman’s long-standing dedication to environmental protection and sustainability, DG Ma highlighted the robust 30-year environmental partnership between Taiwan and the United States. Through initiatives like the International Environmental Partnership (IEP) and the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP), the two countries have worked hand-in-hand to promote transnational environmental protection, recycling, and circular economy efforts with remarkable success. These substantive collaborations resonated deeply with the Congresswoman.
During the meeting, Rep. Friedman fondly recalled her past visit to Taiwan, expressing sincere admiration for Taiwan’s vibrant social energy. True to her dedication to her constituents, she also proactively inquired about the needs of the local Taiwanese-American community.
This productive face-to-face exchange gives us great confidence in our future cooperation. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with the Congresswoman to bring about tangible progress—whether it’s advancing Taiwan-U.S. relations in Washington, D.C., or taking care of our Taiwanese-American community right here in Los Angeles.
