President Tsai Ing-wen said July 20 that the government is committed to deepening ties with the EU to safeguard Taiwan’s freedom and democratic way of life.
Taiwan’s largest source of foreign direct investment has long been the EU, Tsai said, and the country’s investment in Europe hit a record high last year. The development of Taiwan’s strategic industries and the Taiwan-Europe Connectivity Initiative are in sync with the European Green Deal and digital transformation plan, auguring well for a bilateral investment agreement benefiting the people, she added.
Tsai made the remarks while receiving Nicola Beer, vice president of the European Parliament, and her delegation at the Presidential Office in Taipei City.
According to Tsai, the government and people are deeply grateful for the staunch support of Beer and the EP. A total of 20 resolutions backing Taiwan have been passed by the legislative body since last year, she said, singling out the text adopted earlier this month in support of strengthening economic relations between the two sides and supply chain collaboration.
As a front-line state defending freedom, democracy and rules-based order from authoritarian expansionism, Tsai said, Taiwan is willing and able to share its experiences with the world to create a resilient democratic alliance.
In response, Beer said Taiwan’s global appeal positions it as part of a new, strong belt of like-minded democracies around the globe. The EP strives for a policy of deepening, consolidating and diversifying mutual relations, she added.
Following the audience with Tsai, Beer and her delegation visited the formerly Hong Kong-located Causeway Bay Books, re-opened in April 2020 by founder Lam Wing-kee, and attended a welcome banquet hosted by Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a tweet on the MOFA’s official Twitter account, Wu said “Great to break bread with @nicolabeerfdp & her delegation. #Taiwan & the #EU are family, bound by a love of democracy & peace. No matter the odds, no matter the obstacles, democracies always stand as one & overcome. JW” (DL-E)
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