The visit of a delegation from Washington-based think tank Atlantic Council for a four-day fact-finding trip is sincerely welcomed by the government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said July 18.
Arriving earlier in the day and led by Mark Esper, former U.S. secretary of defense, the group also includes Stefano Stefanini, former advisor to the president of Italy, and AC Senior Vice President Barry Pavel.
During their stay, group members will meet with senior government officials and call on key ministries, think tanks and business leaders for updates on Taiwan’s economic, political and social developments, the MOFA said.
The group will also exchange views with related experts and parties on Indo-Pacific economic and security issues, as well as Taiwan’s relationship with the E.U. and U.S., the ministry added.
According to the MOFA, Esper is a true friend who expressed support for and commitment to Taiwan on numerous occasions during his tenure as secretary of defense and continues to show concern over peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has made the global community more alert to the direct threat Taiwan faces from authoritarian expansion, the MOFA said. It is hoped the visit will help policymakers in Europe and the U.S. better understand and support Taiwan, it added.
Established in 1961, the Atlantic Council aims to promote constructive leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the Atlantic community’s central role in meeting global challenges.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “A warm welcome to the @AtlanticCouncil delegation led by @MarkTEsper & comprising @stefostefanini & @BarryPavel. We wish the group a productive 4-day visit focused on economic & security developments pertaining to #Taiwan, the #IndoPacific, & relations with the #US & #EU.” (SFC-E)
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