On November 2, 2024, a delegation from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Estonian Parliament visited Taiwan and met with President Tsai Ing-wen. During the meeting, Chairman Marko Mihkelson expressed hopes that one day Taiwan and Estonia could establish representative offices in each other’s countries. He emphasized the importance of building strong partnerships with like-minded nations, with Taiwan being a key partner in this regard.
President Tsai Ing-wen thanked Estonia for its strong support of Taiwan’s international participation and expressed Taiwan’s willingness and readiness to contribute more in various fields to the international community. She emphasized the importance of continued efforts to deepen partnerships between Taiwan and Estonia, as well as strengthening cooperation with EU countries in response to the challenges posed by authoritarian expansion, to ensure global peace, stability, and prosperity.
Chairman Marko Mihkelson of the Estonian Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee expressed his honor in leading the delegation to Taiwan, marking the committee’s first visit to the island. Despite experiencing the power of a typhoon in Taiwan on October 31, he stressed that nothing can shake the strong relationship between Estonia and Taiwan.
Chairman Mihkelson highlighted the importance of discussions with President Tsai on key issues, such as enhancing bilateral relations. He pointed out the significant progress made in bilateral relations in recent years, with mutual visits indicating a desire for Taiwan and Estonia to establish representative offices in each other’s countries in the future.
Stressing the threats faced by democracies in both East Asia and Europe, Chairman Mihkelson mentioned ongoing concerns about the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the potential internationalization of the war with North Korean involvement. He emphasized the need for democratic countries to support Ukraine and each other, as isolation is not an option in the face of global challenges.
The visit aimed not only to strengthen ties with Taiwan but also to seek mutual support among democratic countries for Ukraine, as the outcome of the conflict impacts not only their security but also Taiwan’s. Chairman Mihkelson reiterated the importance of building strong partnerships with like-minded nations, with Taiwan being a significant partner in this cause.
President Tsai welcomed the Estonian delegation, highlighting the increasing closeness of relations between Taiwan and Estonia. She emphasized the importance of alliances based on shared values of freedom and democracy in the face of challenges posed by authoritarian expansion.
President Tsai thanked Estonia for its support of Taiwan’s international participation, including Minister of Health Riina Sikkut’s advocacy for Taiwan at the World Health Assembly. She expressed gratitude for Estonia’s unwavering support and principled stance regarding Taiwan. President Tsai also congratulated Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on being nominated for the role of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Looking to the future, President Tsai expressed hope that with the assistance of the delegation, Taiwan and Estonia can continue to deepen their partnership and collaborate with EU countries in areas such as trade and security to address challenges posed by authoritarian expansion. She extended her best wishes for the delegation’s successful and fruitful visit.
The delegation included Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Henn Põlluaas, Vice Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Committee Eerik-Niiles Kross, accompanied by Director-General Tang Dianwen of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who joined them in meeting with President Tsai at the Presidential Office, where Secretary-General Pan Meng-an was also present.