Deputy Foreign Minister François Chih-chung Wu anticipated strengthened cooperation with the Republic of Türkiye across many sectors in a speech given at celebrations for the country’s 102nd National Day, hosted by the Turkish Trade Office in Taipei.
Wu lauded the close relationship in disaster assistance that characterizes the partners, citing Türkiye’s swift dispatch of a search and rescue team to assist with the relief efforts for the 921 earthquake in 1999 in Taiwan and that in 2023, Taiwan sent rescue personnel, supplies and donations to Türkiye following a devastating earthquake.
Direct flights and electronic visas have made it easier for reciprocal exchange, the deputy minister added, so that in recent years around 100,000 Taiwanese citizens have visited Türkiye annually. In August this year, three Turkish parliamentarians visited counterparts in the Legislative Yuan and domestic enterprises have made investments in Türkiye.
Fikret Türkeş, representative of the Turkish Trade Office in Taipei, noted that Türkiye plays an important role in international affairs, humanitarian aid and conflict mediation. He stated he would continue to work hand in hand with Taiwan to contribute to the further development of bilateral relations during his tenure.
This year, exchanges between Taiwan and Türkiye have been active in the fields of academia, science, education, tourism, and trade, bringing mutual benefits by creating further prosperity and well-being for both countries. (POC-E)
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