The Latin American and Caribbean Cultural Festival will get underway Sept. 20 in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s commitment to bolstering ties between Taiwan and countries throughout the region.

“Such an event is a key plank in the government’s viable diplomacy approach and illustrates our commitment to strengthening the nation’s international standing,” Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Simon Ko said.

“It will also enhance two-way exchanges across a broad spectrum of areas, especially people to people.”

Viable diplomacy, implemented by President Ma Ying-jeou after taking office in May 2008, is based on the pursuit of cultural, economic and trade diplomacy. The approach has delivered numerous tangible benefits for Taiwan and its partners, putting the building blocks in place for the nation’s expanded engagement with the world while achieving greater prosperity.

Also attending the conference were ambassadors to the ROC of diplomatic allies Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, and St. Christopher and Nevis, as well as the Argentina representative to Taiwan.

Ko said the festival, which will be staged at the Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taipei City, is a special opportunity to gain a better understanding of Latin American and Caribbean cultures. “It features something for everyone, with art exhibits, cultural activities and national dishes certain to please.”

Organized in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by local embassies and representative offices of the 15 participating nations, the event showcases performances by five renowned arts groups. These include Argentinean husband-and-wife team Carlos and Alison Tango and the Mariachi MexicoSon band from Mexico.

In addition, 12 signature films from the region will screen at Spot Huashan Cinema. “Award-winning stories like ‘Quixote’ of Colombia, ‘Six Exceptional Women’ from Haiti and ‘Ghost of Hurricane’ from Honduras are sure to offer a glimpse of the cultures and lifestyles of our Latin American and Caribbean friends,” Ko said.

After a two-day run in Taipei, the festival’s cultural performances move to Taichung City Sept. 23 and its film screenings to Kaohsiung City Sept.

IMAGE: MOFA Deputy Minister Simon Ko (standing, fifth left) is all smiles at the Latin American and Caribbean Cultural Festival media event Sept. 19 in Taipei City. (Staff photo/Chen Mei-ling)