President Ma Ying-jeou(left), Shen Lyu-shun (沈呂巡)

Taipei, May 6 (CNA) President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) awarded both Foreign Minister David Lin (林永樂) and Taiwan's representative to the United States Shen Lyu-shun (沈呂巡) the second-rank Order of Brilliant Star Friday in recognition of their long-term efforts to safeguard Taiwan's sovereignty and national dignity.

Ma praised Lin for having spared no efforts in the promotion of the government's flexible diplomacy policy since assuming office in September 2012.

Thanks to Lin's efforts, the goals of strengthening Taiwan's relations with its allies, boosting bilateral ties with the non-ally countries, and expanding Taiwan's international participation were reached, Ma said.

He then described Shen as an experienced diplomat who handles matters in a progressive and straightforward manner, and called him one of the key figures who have helped raise Taiwan-U.S. relations to the highest level in nearly 40 years.

The officials will step down on the same day when Ma concludes his two-term, eight-year tenure on May 20.

The Order of Brilliant Star is a civilian order of the Republic of China (Taiwan) recognizing outstanding contributions to the development of the nation. It is instituted in 1941 and can be awarded to both domestic and foreign nationals.

(By Hsieh Chia-chen and Elizabeth Hsu)
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