Ma called for the restoration of political and economic order in Egypt as soon as possible to ensure regional security in the Islamic world, Lo added.
Lo’s remarks came after Hosni Mubarak stepped down as Egyptian president amid countrywide protests that started in late January.
“The president has asked the Cabinet to keep a close eye on the latest developments in the North African country, assess their ramifications in terms of global politics, economy, energy and tourism, and map out responsive measures accordingly,” he said.
The ROC government welcomes the burgeoning democracy in Egypt, noted Samuel Chen, director of the Department of African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“We are evaluating the current situation for ways to enhance bilateral exchanges with Egypt,” Chen pointed out, adding that efforts will be made to promote trade and tourism between the two sides, with the ultimate goal of setting up a representative office in the nation.
According to MOFA, Taiwan and Egypt do not have formal political ties, and neither has representative offices in the other’s territory. The Taiwan Trade Center Cairo, operated by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, is the ROC government’s only presence in Egypt. (THN)
Write to Meg Chang at meg.chang@mail.gio.gov.tw