Turkey’s outgoing representative to Taiwan, Muzaffer Eroktem, was awarded the Friendship Medal of Diplomacy Nov. 3 for his efforts in strengthening bilateral relations. According to Timothy Chin-tien Yang, minister of foreign affairs, Eroktem actively promoted trade relations between the two republics during his term. As of August, bilateral trade stood at US$1.1 billion, a 50 percent year-on-year jump. This figure is likely to reach US$1.5 billion this year.
American Institute in Taiwan Director William A. Stanton and Justice Minster Tseng Yung-fu met Nov. 3 to discuss judicial issues such as criminal extradition and passport security. According to local media reports, Stanton said judicial agencies in the U.S. and Taiwan have cooperated well in recent years. He believes there are many issues for both sides to discuss and praised Taiwan’s efforts to tackle human trafficking.
Taipei-based Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association and the Singapore Business Federation will meet for the first time in five-years, according to the CIECA Nov. 3. Issues to be discussed include logistics, third market opportunities and renewable energy. Douglas Hsu, chairman of Far Eastern Group, is heading the CIECA delegation. He plans to introduce the cross-strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement and explain its benefits during the event. Peter Seah, chairman of DBS Group Holdings and DBS Bank Ltd., heads the federation delegation and will talk about Association of Southeast Asian Nations Plus One. The meeting will take place Nov. 8 in Singapore. (JSM)
Write to Grace Kuo at morningk@mail.gio.gov.tw