A delegation headed by former Premier Yu Shyi-kun departed Taiwan Jan. 16 to attend the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in Washington.
The 11-member group representing Taiwan at the Jan. 20 ceremony includes Taichung City Mayor Lin Chia-lung, Chiayi County Magistrate Chang Hwa-kuan, National Security Council adviser Tung Chen-yuan, Yu’s wife Yang Bao-yu as well as six legislators from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, main opposition Kuomintang, New Power Party and People First Party.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation is attending the event in response to the goodwill demonstrated by the U.S. in sending a delegation to the inauguration of President Tsai Ing-wen in Taipei City May 20 last year. “It also highlights the importance that the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) attach to maintaining close and friendly relations between the two sides,” the MOFA said.
Before returning to Taiwan Jan. 23, the cross-party delegation will also meet with U.S. politicians, think tanks and Taiwan expatriates with the goal of enhancing bilateral ties and strengthening exchanges.
The MOFA said that the government looks forward to the continued development of the close Taiwan-U.S. relationship. “We anticipate both sides will build on the strong foundations of mutual trust and positive exchanges by further enhancing bilateral ties,” the ministry added. (KWS-E)
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