The renaming of the agency in charge of relations with Japan to the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association highlights the strength of ties between the two sides and bodes well for their further development, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs May 17.
During a plaque-unveiling ceremony in Taipei City, MOFA Minister David Tawei Lee said the positive development marked a milestone in Taipei-Tokyo relations, adding that it will help strengthen the already close friendship between the neighboring countries.
According to Lee, the current state of Taipei-Tokyo relations is as good as it has ever been, with two-way trade reaching US$60.2 billion in 2016. Japan is Taiwan’s third largest trading partner, while Taiwan is Japan’s fourth. The number of visitors to each other’s countries totaled a record 6.1 million last year.
The minister said the new name better reflects the organization’s mission, and will help bring ties to a new high for the benefit of both nations.
Formerly known as the Association of East Asia Relations, the TJRA was established in December 1972, three months after the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Japan ceased official diplomatic relations. It operates as a civic organization under the auspices of the MOFA.
In response, Japan’s representative to Taiwan Mikio Numata said this year is significant in terms of bilateral ties, as the agency representing Japan’s interests in Taiwan was also recently renamed. In January, the Interchange Association, Japan was rechristened the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association.
Numata said the new name represents a great opportunity for both sides to foster a stronger friendship, adding that his agency will continue working closely with the TJRA in advancing the partnership.
According to the TJRA, as of November 2016 Taiwan and Japan have concluded 74 agreements and memorandums of understanding in a number of areas including education exchanges, fisheries issues, law enforcement, trade and investment as well as transportation. (SFC-E)
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