President Lai Ching-te received a delegation from the Taiwan-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group at the Presidential Office Sept. 16 in Taipei City, pledging to expand bilateral ties for a mutually prosperous future.
The group is led by chair Boaz Toporovsky, who is visiting Taiwan for the third time, and includes five other members of the Knesset.
According to Lai, Toporovsky is an important figure in promoting bilateral ties, citing his initiation of a cross-party statement by members of the Knesset in July calling for Taiwan’s international participation. Such staunch support is warmly appreciated by the people, he added.
The president said as Taiwan and Israel both face complex geopolitical challenges, they fully understand that national security not only relies on military defense, but also the ability to enhance national resilience through technology and innovation.
In addition to regular exchanges in areas such as agriculture, economy, trade and technology, Lai said the two sides concluded 34 agreements and cooperated under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework in combating cross-border crime, promoting digital economy and enhancing national security.
Drawing from his experience visiting Israel in 2016 in his capacity as Tainan mayor, Lai said he was deeply impressed by the country’s diversity, innovation and resilience. He looks forward to expanded partnership in semiconductors, information and communications technology, digital security and emerging defense technologies to boost innovation and supply chain resilience.
In response, Toporovsky thanked Taiwan for helping enhance resilience and maintain daily life for the Israeli people affected by an attack in October 2023, a move that underscores the two sides’ shared commitment to freedom and democracy. Despite global uncertainties, Taiwan and Israel will work together to advance education, humanitarian aid, innovation and technology to ensure fairness, justice and freedom for all, he added. (SFC-E)
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