Italian Chamber of Deputies Finance Committee Chairman Marco Osnato led a bipartisan delegation to visit Taiwan, warmly welcomed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China. The delegation is scheduled to meet Vice President Lai Ching-te, and hold talks with Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Yuan Tsai Chi-chang, showcasing the importance that Italian political parties place on Taiwan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China stated that from January 8th to 11th, Marco Osnato, along with members including Vice President of the Economic, Trade, and Tourism Committee Paola De Micheli, Executive Secretary of the Finance Committee Mauro Del Barba, Vice President of the Parliament Media Communication Policy and Supervision Committee Augusta Montaruli, members of the Foreign Affairs Committee Salvatore Caiata and Giangiacomo Calovini, will visit Taiwan in a significant delegation across party lines.
This delegation marks the first visit to Taiwan by an Italian Chamber of Deputies group post-pandemic, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its sincere welcome. During this visit, the delegation will meet with Vice President Lai Ching-te, hold discussions with Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Yuan Tsai Chi-chang, and attend a banquet hosted by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Chih-chung. Additionally, the delegation will visit government agencies including the Mainland Affairs Council, Ministry of Justice, and Bureau of Foreign Trade, to exchange views on mutual concerns and visit technology companies in Hsinchu and the Innovation Museum of TSMC.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China pointed out, “Chairman Osnato is a staunch friend of our country, and the members of the delegation are all members of the Italian Parliament’s Friends of Taiwan Association. The Italian Chamber of Deputies Foreign Affairs Committee passed a resolution supporting meaningful participation by Taiwan in United Nations agencies and specialized organizations during last year’s UN General Assembly, and also backs any initiatives that help Taiwan break through diplomatic isolation.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China added, “In 2023, Italy was our country’s 4th largest trade partner within the EU, and there are Taiwanese businesses investing in Italy, particularly in the semiconductor industry, reflecting the close economic and trade relations between the two sides. The visit of the Italian Chamber of Deputies bipartisan delegation to Taiwan demonstrates the attention and importance that parties across the political spectrum in Italy place on Taiwan.”