A report and related amendments adopted by the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs to enhance Taiwan-EU ties is deeply appreciated by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sept. 2.
Passed a day earlier in a 60-4 vote, with six abstentions, the EU-Taiwan Political Relations and Cooperation report expresses deep concern over China’s ongoing military aggression against Taiwan and insists that any change to the cross-strait status quo must not be made against the will of the Taiwan people. It additionally urges the EU to take a proactive role in promoting peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait while including the country as an important partner in its Indo-Pacific Strategy.
The report also stresses the need to kick off preparation on a bilateral investment agreement by the end of this year, encouraging more highest-level official exchanges between the two sides.
Among amendments passed during the session is a recommendation voicing support for the establishment of The Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania and condemning China’s economic sanctions on the Baltic state.
In response, the MOFA said Taiwan and the EU share the same values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights and the rule of law. The two sides’ rock-solid ties are demonstrated by their strengthened partnership following the country’s inclusion in the Schengen visa-waiver program in 2011, the ministry added.
Taiwan will not retreat in the face of intimidation and remains committed to safeguarding its democratic way of life, the MOFA said, adding that the government will continue working with like-minded partners such as Japan, the EU and the U.S. to bolster solidarity among democracies around the world.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said: “Gratitude to @Europarl_EN’s @EP_ForeignAff for urging the #EU to strengthen its partnership with #Taiwan & advance a bilateral investment agreement. Recognition of Taiwan's role as a key partner defending democracy & rules-based order in the #IndoPacific is also appreciated.” (YCH-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw