The visit by a delegation from the EP-Taiwan Friendship Group is sincerely welcomed by the government and people of Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Oct. 30.
Led by Andrey Kovatchev from Bulgaria, the group’s first vice chair, the delegation is in Taiwan for a six-day stay. Other MPs on the trip are Ivan Stefanec from Slovakia and Leopoldo Lopez Gil from Spain.
The lawmakers will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen and Legislative Yuan President You Si-kun and attend a banquet hosted by Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu. They will also call on government agencies, civic organizations and major political parties to exchange views on Taiwan’s economic and political development, as well as issues spanning democratic practices and responses to disinformation.
According to the MOFA, the three MPs are steadfast friends who have long backed EP reports and resolutions supporting Taiwan, co-signed letters calling for its international participation, voiced concerns over the cross-strait situation and urged the EU to deepen relations with Taiwan.
In particular, Kovatchev was a major advocate for visa-free entry to the Schengen area for ROC (Taiwan) nationals, the ministry said, adding that his efforts are immensely appreciated.
The latest visit underscores the strong support for Taiwan by EP members and bodes well for further expansion of the two sides’ cooperative partnership, the ministry said. (SFC-E)
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