《TAIPEI TIMES》 MEPs arrive to foster closer relations

WARM WELCOME: The visit could help Taiwan have in-depth exchanges with Germany and other European nations on issues of common concern, President Tsai Ing-wen said

By Liu Tzu-hsuan / Staff reporter

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A delegation of Members of the European Parliament （MEPs） is visiting Taiwan to show support for democracy and foster deeper ties with the nation, delegation leader MEP Reinhard Butikofer said yesterday.

Taiwan has performed outstandingly in the areas of human rights, democracy, freedom and the rule of law, which is why the delegation hopes to seek closer relations with the nation, Butikofer said during a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen （蔡英文）.

As chairman of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with the People’s Republic of China, Butikofer called on democracies around the world to unite and work together in the face of authoritarian expansion.

The delegation also hopes to learn more about Taiwan’s vibrant society and seek opportunities to cooperate to build more resilient supply chains, he said.

Thanks to Tsai’s leadership over the past eight years, Taiwan has gained many new friends in Europe, Butikofer said.

The five major political groups in the European Parliament have different opinions on many issues, but there is a clear consensus on supporting Taiwan, he said.

Tsai thanked the parliament and its members for supporting Taiwan’s democracy, freedom and international participation through concrete actions.

Cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and Europe have in the past few years become increasingly close, she said, citing the example of the parliament passing reports on two major security policies last month calling for ties with Taiwan to be deepened and voicing concern about heightened tension across the Taiwan Strait.

The delegation’s visit could help Taiwan have in-depth exchanges with Germany and other European nations on issues of common concern, she said, adding that she looks forward to closer cooperation between the two sides on the prevention of disinformation, supply chain security and economic exchanges.

Other delegation members include European Parliament Vice President Heidi Hautala, German Bundestag members Agnieszka Brugger and Boris Mijatovic, as well as German-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group deputy chair Till Steffen, all of whom are members of green parties in their nations.

During their visit, which ends on Thursday, the delegation is to attend a banquet hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu （吳釗燮） and meet with legislators, government officials and representatives of civic groups, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.

They are to exchange views on issues such as Taiwan’s political and economic development, economic and trade relations between Taiwan and the EU, human rights and environmental protection, and explore opportunities for cooperation with Taiwan, it said.

Butikofer is a long-standing friend of Taiwan who is dedicated to deepening the partnership between Taiwan and Europe, the ministry said.

By holding seminars on issues related to Taiwan, he has contributed significantly to creating a supportive atmosphere for Taiwan across Europe, it said.

Separately, the ministry yesterday welcomed another delegation comprising Romanian lawmakers aiming to enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

The seven-member delegation is led by Romania-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group chairman Catalin-Daniel Fenechiu, who also cochairs the Formosa Club, and plans to stay until Saturday, the ministry said.

Fenechiu has repeatedly voiced support for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly and other international organizations, the ministry said, adding that he also coordinated with Taipei to assist Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.

The trip would help enhance bilateral exchanges and bolster industrial cooperation, it said, adding that Taiwan and Romania have great potential for economic, trade and technology cooperation.

新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES