A delegation of European Parliament members visited Taiwan and met with President Tsai Ing-wen on May 27. During the meeting, they called for democratic countries to unite in defending freedom. President Tsai expressed hope for closer Taiwan-EU relations, emphasizing the need for a diversified cooperation framework, particularly in areas such as semiconductors, to enhance the resilience of democratic supply chains.
President Tsai graciously welcomed the visiting delegation to the Presidential Office. Reinis Pozņaks and Beatrice Timgren, who were elected just last year, made their first visit to Taiwan to show their support, prompting President Tsai to express sincere gratitude on behalf of the Taiwanese people.
President Tsai thanked the European Parliament for its continued attention to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. He highlighted the European Parliament’s recent resolutions on the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, reaffirming the EU’s firm commitment to maintaining the status quo in the region.
“The European Parliament not only condemns China’s ongoing military provocations against Taiwan but also emphasizes Taiwan’s crucial role as a democratic partner for the EU in the Indo-Pacific region. The call for closer cooperation in economic, trade, and investment ties between the EU, its member states, and Taiwan is vital. I express gratitude to the European Parliament for speaking up for Taiwan,” President Tsai stated.
President Tsai pointed out that the delegation’s visit, along with Taiwan’s efforts, such as Minister of Economic Affairs Guo Zhixing’s trip to Europe last year for the first high-level economic dialogue between Taiwan and the EU, signifies a deepening of Taiwan-EU exchanges. He anticipates a more nuanced relationship and collaboration between the two entities, particularly given the EU’s status as Taiwan’s largest source of foreign investment. The complementary nature of bilateral relations in areas like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and green energy can pave the way for building a more resilient democratic supply chain and contributing to global prosperity.
President Tsai expressed optimism for the delegation’s future support in the European Parliament to advance the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement between Taiwan and the EU. This agreement is seen as a means to create mutually beneficial development, strengthen economic security, and enhance international competitiveness. He also welcomed the visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan and hoped for continual visits to further enhance Taiwan-EU relations.
Member Reinis Pozņaks, during his remarks, conveyed his honor in visiting the Presidential Office and expressed appreciation for the arrangements made for the delegation, expressing a desire for future visits given Taiwan’s beauty.
Hailing from Latvia, Member Pozņaks empathized with the Taiwanese people’s plight, drawing parallels with Latvia’s situation facing a powerful neighbor claiming its territory and resorting to misinformation warfare, similar to experiences seen in Taiwan.
“We are in a challenging era where our choices will shape the future of the world. Upholding the rule of law should be paramount over a world dominated by force and aggression. As citizens of small countries, we understand the need to defend a world based on the rule of law. It is crucial for democratic nations worldwide to unite in safeguarding freedom, values, and democracy,” Member Pozņaks stated, emphasizing the significance of unity among democratic nations.
Member Beatrice Timgren expressed her gratitude to President Tsai for the audience and acknowledged the warm welcome received in Taiwan. She emphasized the importance of shared values and strong relationships with other democratic nations globally as crucial for her country, Sweden, and Europe.
Touching upon the significant threats posed by Russia, Member Timgren echoed Member Pozņaks’ sentiments, highlighting the looming war within Europe and the necessity for mutual support among nations. She lauded European countries for standing up to provide weapons and support to Ukraine in the face of aggression, emphasizing the importance of maintaining positive relations among democratic nations to counter challenges posed by China and Russia.
In conclusion, Member Timgren thanked Taiwan for the opportunity to visit the beautiful country and reemphasized the importance of fostering and sustaining strong alliances among democratic nations.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed sincere gratitude to the European Parliament for its steadfast support towards Taiwan. Following the visit of the “Cross-Party EU Parliamentarians Delegation” in February, this recent delegation underscores the European Parliament’s high regard and support for the Republic of China. The Ministry is committed to deepening Taiwan’s ties with the European Parliament, fostering a robust network of mutually beneficial alliances to safeguard peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.