President Tsai Ing-wen received a delegation of Swedish and European Parliament lawmakers via videoconference April 12 in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s commitment to deepening Taiwan’s relationship with EU member states.
The enduring concern for issues pertaining to Taiwan and proactive advancement of bilateral cooperation by members of the delegation in the Swedish and the European parliaments are sincerely appreciated by the government and people, Tsai said. Such support is evidenced by motions backing the country’s international participation proposed in the Riksdag and the EU-Taiwan Political Relations and Cooperation report greenlighted by the EP last October, she added.
According to Tsai, Taiwan and Sweden are like-minded partners that share the universal values of freedom and democracy. The two sides have increased cooperation in areas spanning climate change, gender equality and countering disinformation, she said, adding that an air services agreement on direct flights is also in the pipeline to facilitate closer business and trade ties.
Tsai also reaffirmed a plan proposed in January to strengthen links with countries across Europe, pledging to continue working with the EU and Sweden to create a resilient democratic alliance.
In response, Boriana Aberg, chair of the Swedish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Association, praised Taiwan’s efforts to combat COVID-19 and stated the country’s right to be included in World Health Assembly meetings. The delegation will stand with Taiwan in its mission to defend its freedom, sovereignty and democratic way of life by any means necessary, she added.
Charlie Weimers, member of the European Parliament, vowed to continue promoting a bilateral investment agreement between Taiwan and the EU. The two sides’ partnership should have no end limits, no forbidden areas, and no upper bounds, he said.
Following the videoconference, Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu awarded the Friendship Medal of Diplomacy to Aberg and hosted a luncheon for the delegation. Taiwan and Sweden both face threats from authoritarian expansion by means including cognitive warfare and disinformation campaigns, Wu said, adding that it is time for the two countries to strengthen their bilateral partnership and work together to defend freedom and the democratic way of life. (YCH-E)
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