Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu hosted a dinner banquet for a delegation comprising members of Japan’s House of Representatives May 3 at Taipei Guest House, reaffirming the special bond between Taiwan and the country’s East Asian partner.
Touching down earlier in the day, the 11-member delegation is led by Masanobu Ogura, director of the Liberal Democratic Party’s Youth Division. It also includes fellow lawmakers Norikazu Suzuki, Hayato Suzuki, Susumu Yamaguchi and Daisuke Nishino.
During his welcoming speech, Wu said the delegation is the first group of legislators from Japan to visit Taiwan since the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020. Its arrival is sincerely welcomed by the government and people, Wu added.
According to the minister, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s ongoing military activities in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters underscore the threats by authoritarian regimes in the Indo-Pacific.
The government is grateful to Japan for stressing the importance of cross-strait peace and stability at various international venues, Wu said. It is hoped that Japan will continue to support Taiwan’s bid to take part in the World Health Organization and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, he added.
The close cooperation between Taiwan and Japan in implementing humanitarian and public health missions serves as an inspiring example for the world, Wu said, adding that the virtuous circle’s continuity benefits the global community.
In response, Ogura said he looks forward to expanding the already strong two-way ties, as the situation in Ukraine cannot be allowed to happen in Taiwan. The Youth Division has always been a staunch supporter of Taiwan’s WHO and CPTPP participation, he said, adding that his group will continue to promote bilateral youth exchanges and legislative dialogue going forward.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “Minister Wu hosted a welcome banquet for @masanobu_ogura & his delegation of lawmakers at historic Taipei Guest House. He toasted the strength of bilateral relations & thanked our good friends on behalf of the people for #Japan’s strong support of #Taiwan & close cooperation.” (SFC-E)
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