民進黨主席蔡英文昨(26)日下午接見美國在台協會(AIT)理事主席薄瑞光(Raymond Burghardt)，雙方針對台美關係現況、兩岸關係及年底選舉進行深入討論，過程融洽。

蔡主席於會中重申強化台美關係的重要性，尤其在國防與經濟合作、擴大台灣國際空間等議題上，將持續與美方深入交換意見。蔡主席也表示，這些議題也依然是民進黨在國際關係上的首要議程。

蔡主席提及兩岸關係時表示，民進黨會持續促進台灣與中國的交流，使雙方更清楚地了解彼此的看法。蔡主席也向薄瑞光主席表示，民進黨將確保兩岸交流的過程符合台灣民主與台灣人民的期待。

蔡主席與薄瑞光主席也談及年底大選的重要性。蔡主席強調，這次選舉是台灣在關鍵時刻的一場選戰，民進黨雖然對整體選情感到審慎樂觀，但也不敢懈怠，將持續努力，擴大綠色執政版圖。

薄瑞光主席本次訪台為例行訪問，與蔡主席會談長達一小時，由秘書長吳釗燮、立法委員蕭美琴、國際事務部代理主任陳婉宜陪同。

Chairperson Tsai Meets with AIT Chairman Burghardt

On Friday September 26 Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen met with AIT Chairman Raymond Burghardt for a friendly discussion on the current state of Taiwan-US relations cross-strait relations and the upcoming year-end elections.

During the hour-long meeting Chairperson Tsai stressed the importance of a strong relationship with the US especially on defense and economic cooperation as well as for Taiwan’s efforts to expand its international space. These matters would continue to be of the highest importance for the DPP she said.

Moving onto cross-strait relations Chairperson Tsai stated that the party would continue to encourage bilateral engagements with China. More clarity concerning each other’s views would be essential she said as the DPP works to ensure that the process remains acceptable both to Taiwan’s democracy and the Taiwanese people.

Both Chairperson Tsai and Chairman Burghardt also spoke on the importance of the upcoming year-end elections. Chairperson Tsai stressed that this was a critical election for the Taiwan and the DPP currently stands to make gains in a number of important local elections.

The meeting took place as part of Chairman Burghardt’s visit to Taiwan. Chairperson Tsai was accompanied by Secretary-General Joseph Wu Legislator Bi-khim Hsiao and International Affairs Acting Director Ketty W. Chen.