Taiwan and Israel inked a joint declaration on social welfare and social service cooperation May 11, further strengthening exchanges benefiting the people of both sides, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Presided over by MOFA Vice Minister Alexander Tah-ray Yui, the declaration was signed by Lee Ya-ping, head of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Tel Aviv, and Omer Caspi, representative of Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei. High-profile participants included Lee Li-feng, deputy minister of health and welfare, and Sigal Moran, director general of Israel’s Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs.
According to Yui, Taiwan and Israel share the universal values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights and the rule of law. This is evidenced by annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day events co-hosted by the two sides, which President Tsai Ing-wen has frequently attended to show her support, Yui said, adding that the two countries will continue strengthening mutually beneficial partnership going forward.
Following Yui’s remarks, Lee said the country is committed to promoting social welfare and related policies while expanding exchanges with Israel.
In response Moran praised Taiwan’s outstanding performance in relevant fields, while Caspi said the declaration will help advance the two sides’ collaboration in social services.
According to the MOFA, the declaration is the 30th accord signed by Taiwan and Israel. It follows an implementing arrangement on education, youth and sports cooperation, an agreement on the mutual recognition and exchange of driving licenses, a pact on trade standards and inspection cooperation and a memorandum of understanding on volunteer cooperation inked by the two sides in 2020, the MOFA added.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said: “Vice Minister Yui oversaw the signing of the Joint Declaration on Social Welfare & Social Service Cooperation by @TaiwaninIsrael Rep. Lee & @IsraelTaipei Rep. Caspi. The progressive pact allows #Taiwan & #Israel to expand related exchanges benefiting the people of both sides!” (YCH-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw