President Tsai Ing-wen received Damon Wilson, president and chief executive officer of U.S.-based National Endowment for Democracy, March 29 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing cooperation among democracies from around the world.
Global democratic development is currently being challenged by the expansion of authoritarianism, Tsai said, citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The government and people of Taiwan have shown their support for the East European country by providing humanitarian aid and donating more than NT$890 million (US$31 million) to help refugees of the conflict, she added.
According to Tsai, Taiwan is willing and able to work with civil organizations and territorial defense groups worldwide like NED cooperates with counterparts in Finland, Sweden and Ukraine. This will further bolster the country’s ability to mobilize an all-out defense while enhancing resilience across all facets of society, she said.
Taiwan is staunchly determined to champion democracy alongside global partners, Tsai said, adding that this is evidenced by the country’s pledge to promote open government initiatives and countermeasures against disinformation, set out during the Summit for Democracy held by the U.S. last year.
Tsai also took the opportunity to express optimism ahead of the 11th Global Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy slated for Oct. 24-27 in Taipei City. Co-hosted by capital-based Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and NED, the event is expected to enhance international solidarity while lending further strength to global democratic development, she added.
In response, Wilson said Taiwan’s vibrant and democratic way of life is an example to the international community. NED stands with Taiwan and is committed to working with the country to safeguard democracy around the world, he added.
The assembly will serve as a platform for Taiwan participants to share their experiences, he said, adding that leaders and activists worldwide will learn from each other and gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s democracy via the event. (YCH-E)
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