A report approved by the European Parliament on Taiwan-EU Political Relations and Cooperation is warmly welcomed by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Oct. 21.
Adopted the day before in a 580-26 vote, the report describes Taiwan as a key EU partner and democratic ally in the Indo-Pacific. It also urges the EU to intensify political relations and pursue a comprehensive and enhanced partnership between the two sides.
In addition, the report expresses concerns over China’s continued military belligerence against Taiwan, calling for like-minded partners across the region to collaborate in maintaining cross-strait peace and stability.
The report further stresses the need to initiate procedures on a bilateral investment agreement, and advocates for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the activities, mechanisms and meetings of international organizations such as the World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, Interpol and U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Other areas covered in the report include encouraging EU member states to participate in the Taiwan-U.S. Global Cooperation and Training Framework, enhancing exchanges in managing COVID-19 and welcoming the establishment of The Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania.
According to the MOFA, the report is the first of its kind on Taiwan-EU ties, demonstrates the country’s geopolitical importance and indicates bilateral relations are going from strength to strength. It springboards off the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and resolutions passed by the EP in support of Taiwan this year, the ministry said.
Taiwan and the EU share the universal values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and rule of law, the MOFA said, adding that the government will continue deepening friendship and exchanges with the political community across the board, particularly in economy, regional security and trade.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said: “Our heartfelt thanks to @Europarl_En for approving the #Taiwan-#EU Political Relations & Cooperation report. The history-making text, adroitly drafted by @weimers, charts a course for the development of bilateral relations. It also sends a strong message: Taiwan is not alone.” (YCH-E)
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