President Tsai Ing-wen received a Polish parliamentarian delegation at the Presidential Office in Taipei City Dec. 6, looking to enhance cooperation with the EU member state on all fronts while strengthening solidarity with fellow democracies.
Led by Polish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Group chair Waldemar Andzel and comprising seven other members of the Sejm, the group is in Taiwan on a cultural, economic, political and societal fact-finding tour Dec. 5-9.
According to the president, Taiwan and Poland have both experienced authoritarian rule and the transition to democracy in recent history. Currently, their two-way partnership continues to expand over a range of fields, she added.
Poland has actively supported Taiwan’s global participation, Tsai said, citing the resolution passed by the Polish Senate’s Foreign and European Union Affairs and Health Committees in July calling for Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Organization.
The two sides have also given mutual support to overcome the challenges of COVID-19, she said, adding that the government and people are sincerely grateful for the Polish government’s donation of 400,000 vaccines.
Since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Poland has helped resettle three million refugees within its border, the president said. Such humanitarian spirit in offering mutual aid is truly inspiring, she added.
Tsai said Taiwan strongly identifies with Ukraine in its determination to defend democracy and freedom. Through donation of funds and equipment, Taiwan will stand alongside Poland and other like-minded partners to assist Ukraine in its post-war reconstruction, she added.
In response, Andzel said he is happy to lead the group visit this year, which marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Taipei Representative Office in Poland.
He also took the opportunity to thank Taiwan for donating over US$11 million to help Poland resettle Ukrainian refugees and looked forward to further bilateral exchanges and ever-closer relations. (SFC-E)
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