The ICDF held a Homecoming Reception on Monday celebrating the achievements of the first batch of Taiwan Youth Overseas Servicemen.

President Chen Shui-bian initiated the program after a trip to Latin America in August 2000. In November 2001, the first groups of servicemen were deployed to some 21 allied countries in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Asia Pacific region.

Manifesting Chen's vision of ''People's Diplomacy,'' the servicemen performed a wide variety of duties at the ICDF- TAIWAN Medical and Technical Missions including agricultural assistance, computer system management, economic analysis and medical work.

''Speaking on behalf of our 23 million people, I am so proud of you. In you we have seen Taiwan's future,'' Chen told the servicemen at the ceremony.

Also in attendance was Foreign Minister and ICDF Chairman Eugene H.Y. Chien. He highlighted the value of the program and praised the hard work and dedication of the servicemen. ''This program is an important milestone in the development of 'People's Diplomacy.' These young men are bravely implementing Taiwan's foreign policy. They work in our overseas missions helping to improve living conditions in developing and remote areas of the world.''

• Update: 2018/03/01
• Hits:304