President Tsai Ing-wen held a videoconference with former Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe March 23 in Taipei City, with both expressing their commitment to fostering a closer bilateral relationship across the board.
Economic growth and trade expansion are key to developing the two sides’ partnership, Tsai said, citing Taiwan’s easing of regulations on food imports from Fukushima and its surrounding area last month. She also expressed anticipation that Japan will continue to support the country’s participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership as part of efforts to strengthen economies in the region.
Regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Tsai said as a democracy and a responsible member of the global community, Taiwan continues to stand with Ukraine. Unilateral use of military force to change the status quo and infringe on democratic sovereignty cannot be permitted to occur in the Indo-Pacific, she said, further expressing appreciation that Japan stresses the importance of cross-strait peace and stability in international arenas.
Abe concurred in this view, adding Taiwan and Japan can share intelligence to maintain regional stability while working together to safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Taiwan and Japan share the values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law, Tsai said. The government will continue working with like-minded partners such as Japan and the U.S. to expand exchanges and cooperation while promoting peace and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific, she added.
Tsai also took the opportunity to thank Japan for donating vaccines to Taiwan during the pandemic and for Abe’s long-standing support for Taiwan. In turn, Abe expressed appreciation for Taiwan’s donation of masks, protective clothing and medical devices during the pandemic and for the assistance provided during the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011.
Abe thanked the Japan ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council for arranging the event during its annual meeting. (YCH-E)
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