The visit by former U.K. Prime Minister and current Member of Parliament Liz Truss is sincerely welcomed by the government and people of Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Truss touched down May 16 at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and is set to meet with senior government officials and prominent figures from Taiwan’s academic, business and political circles during her five-day stay. The MP is also scheduled to deliver a keynote speech titled “Taiwan: On the Frontline of Freedom and Democracy” organized by the Taipei City-based Prospect Foundation and will tour cultural and economic facilities.
According to the MOFA, Truss is a long-term supporter of Taiwan. During her tenure as foreign minister, the British government emphasized the importance of cross-strait peace and stability on multiple international occasions, either individually or as part of the Group of Seven, the ministry said.
This is complemented by her speech on British foreign policy last April in which she said democracies such as Taiwan should be able to defend themselves, as well as her remarks during the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Summit last June, when she called Taiwan’s security crucial to global economic and military security.
The visit demonstrates Truss’ continued backing of Taiwan since stepping down as PM and the close relationship between the country and the U.K., the MOFA said. Her calls for the world to help Taiwan safeguard its freedom and democratic way of life are also deeply appreciated, the ministry added.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said: “Minister Wu warmly welcomed @trussliz following the former #UK PM’s arrival in #Taiwan! Her continued support of our democracy & #TaiwanStrait stability is highly appreciated by the government & people. We look forward to stimulating dialogues with the MP over her 5-day stay.” (YCH-E)
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