The renaming of Japan’s representative office in Taiwan to the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association underscores the strength of ties between the two sides and augurs well for their development going forward, according to JTEA Chief Representative Mikio Numata Jan. 3 in Taipei City.
This move is aimed at taking already close Taiwan-Japan exchanges to the next level, Numata said at the unveiling ceremony for the JTEA name plaque. Since the opening of the formerly named Interchange Association, Japan, in Taipei 45 years ago, the two sides quickly cultivated a special relationship that is rare in this day and age, he added.
Numata said the people of Taiwan and Japan share a warm friendship as evidenced by the relief aid sent following last April’s earthquakes on Kyushu Island and the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that struck the northeastern part of the country. This assistance at a time of great need is deeply appreciated, he added.
Taiwan was added to the name of the office after a JTEA poll revealed that only 14 percent of respondents could identify the association and its functions. This ambiguity was considered regrettable, and the decision was made to change the title and increase the profile of the office, according to Numata.
In response to the renaming, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the change is welcome and reaffirms the commitment of both sides to advancing bilateral relations.
Taipei and Tokyo enjoy close ties, the MOFA said, adding that Japan is Taiwan’s third largest trading partner, while Taiwan is Japan’s fourth. In 2015, two-way trade reached US$57.9 billion.
According to the ministry, Taiwan and Japan share the common values of democracy, freedom and rule of law, with many public opinion polls confirming both sides enjoy close and friendly relations. It is expected that Taiwan and Japan will build on a solid foundation of cordial ties to deepen exchanges across a broad spectrum of areas for more win-win outcomes. (KWS-E)
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