Japanese-Taiwan Exchange Association President, Mitsuo Ohashi, visited Taiwan and met with President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Lai Ching-te, on the 27th of August. Lai expressed his hope for Taiwan and Japan to jointly uphold the “democratic protection umbrella” and work hand in hand to promote world democracy, peace, and prosperity. Ohashi stated that regardless of who the next Japanese Prime Minister will be, the stable development of Japan-Taiwan relations will remain unwavering, and he is committed to furthering the continuous development of these relations.
President Lai Ching-te received Japanese-Taiwan Exchange Association President Mitsuo Ohashi today and welcomed him back to Taiwan in his remarks. Following the conclusion of this year’s presidential election, Ohashi promptly visited on behalf of the Japanese government to extend congratulations to President Lai and Vice President Hsiao Mei-chin. Today, it is a pleasure to once again meet and exchange views with Ohashi.
Lai Ching-te expressed gratitude to Ohashi for his long-standing contributions to enhancing Taiwan-Japan relations. Since Ohashi assumed the presidency in 2011, Taiwan and Japan have signed numerous bilateral agreements and memoranda in various fields under the framework of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association and the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association. The progress of Taiwan-Japan friendship and cooperation is evident to all.
Lai Ching-te mentioned that during the inauguration ceremony on May 20th, a record-breaking 31 Japanese parliamentarians attended, the highest number in history. Since taking office, over 40 Japanese parliamentarians have visited Taiwan one after another. These visits symbolize the deepening bonds between Taiwan and Japan.
“We warmly welcome and appreciate the support of our Japanese friends towards Taiwan. During this visit, Ohashi participated in the 6th Taiwan-Japan Ocean Affairs Cooperation Dialogue. ‘Exploring the oceans’ is a crucial direction for our national development, and I believe Taiwan and Japan can continue to engage in dialogue and communication on maritime affairs, as well as establish cooperation in various aspects,” Lai Ching-te said.
He also thanked the Japanese government for its repeated public support for Taiwan’s international participation. Taiwan will continue to strive for membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and push for the signing of a Taiwan-Japan bilateral economic and trade agreement with the Japanese government, hoping for continued support from Japan.
Lai Ching-te emphasized that Taiwan and Japan are solid partners for each other. Ohashi has stated that if Taiwan-Japan friendly relations can be spread globally, it is believed that war will no longer occur. He fully agrees with this notion and hopes that Taiwan and Japan, as democratic partners, can jointly uphold the “democratic protection umbrella” and promote democracy, peace, and prosperity in the world.
Lai Ching-te mentioned that earlier this month, the 8-year term of the former Representative to Japan from the Republic of China, Shen Chang-ting, has come to a successful conclusion. Lai expressed thanks to Ohashi and various sectors in Japan for their support of Representative Shen’s work. The newly appointed Representative to Japan, Li Yi-yang, is also about to take up his post, and with the continued support of Ohashi, everyone hopes to work together to create a new chapter in Taiwan-Japan friendship.
In his speech, President Ohashi expressed that President Lai Ching-te is one of his longest-known good friends in Taiwan. Prior to President Lai’s inauguration, he maintained a long and close interaction with President Lai, and at this critical moment, he is delighted to work together with President Lai to promote Japan-Taiwan relations.
Ohashi believes that the Japan-Taiwan relationship is close, with similar ideas and concepts, making it one of the finest bilateral relationships in the world, serving as a model for bilateral relations between countries. He often thinks about what Japan can do for Taiwan and what Taiwan can do for Japan, emphasizing that only through mutual care can such a close relationship be built.
Ohashi pointed out that Prime Minister Kishida served as Foreign Minister for six years, gaining the trust of leaders from various countries and the Japanese parliament. Although Prime Minister Kishida has officially announced that he will not seek re-election, Ohashi believes that the stable relationship between Japan and Taiwan will remain solid. He is also committed to promoting the continuous development of Japan-Taiwan relations.
He believes that preventing wars from happening again in the world is one of the crucial tasks for all leaders. Prime Minister Kishida has also taken on the significant responsibility of maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region in the past. He trusts that the next Japanese Prime Minister will uphold the policies of Prime Minister Kishida, follow the same path, and maintain the stable development of Japan-Taiwan relations.
The Japanese delegation includes Representative Kazuyuki Katayama from the Taipei office of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association. They were accompanied by Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and Secretary-General Fan Chen-kuo of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association, visiting President Lai at the Presidential Office. National Security Council Secretary-General David Lee was also present.