A cross-party group of parliamentarians from Kosovo visited Taiwan and met with the President-elect and Vice President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching-te on the 19th. During the meeting, Member of Parliament Hoti expressed his hope for bilateral exchanges of experiences and enhanced cooperation with allies.
Lai Ching-te, while meeting with the “Kosovo cross-party group of parliamentarians,” mentioned that the visit holds significant meanings of “enhancing democracy,” “creating mutual prosperity,” and “deepening exchanges.” He emphasized that Taiwan and Kosovo both stand at the forefront of defending freedom, believing in democratic values, and through diversified exchanges and cooperation, they aim to foster prosperity, enhance people’s well-being, and strengthen the global democratic camp.
Hoti, in his speech, thanked Vice President Lai for the warm reception and expressed condolences to the victims of the recent earthquake in Hualien. He congratulated President-elect Lai on his victory in the presidential election and expressed satisfaction with Kosovo’s potential future role in his administration. Recognizing the similar challenges faced by both sovereign countries internationally, Hoti emphasized the importance of exchanging experiences and strengthening cooperation with allies, expressing confidence in Taiwan’s ability under Lai’s experienced leadership to enhance relationships with allies, maintain regional peace, and ensure Taiwan’s security.
Hoti acknowledged Lai Ching-te’s understanding of the delegation and noted the presence of business representatives among the group members, highlighting the fruitful discussions held with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, National Taiwan University, and National Taiwan University Hospital.
Kosovo hopes to establish a strategic economic dialogue platform with Taiwan this year, aiming to convene representatives from both countries’ business sectors to discuss areas of cooperation. Hoti stressed the potential for mutual learning and economic complementarity between the two nations, expressing optimism for increased exchanges between major universities in Kosovo and Taiwan to promote cooperation among faculty, students, and research projects.
He also expressed delight at the sister-city relationship between Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo, and Kaohsiung in Taiwan, seeing it as a symbol of the willingness to cooperate in various aspects. Lastly, Hoti extended best wishes to Vice President Lai Ching-te for his future administration and pledged support and assistance.
Lai Ching-te, on behalf of all Taiwanese, warmly welcomed the former Prime Minister Hoti and the cross-party delegation of parliamentarians and business representatives from Kosovo. He also thanked President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, and the Parliamentary Friendship Group for their heartfelt concern for Taiwan following the earthquake, which touched the hearts of the people.
Lai Ching-te highlighted the shared values of democracy and freedom between Taiwan and Kosovo, describing them as precious friends advancing together on the path of democracy. He underlined the three significant purposes of the visit, emphasizing the strengthening of democracy, creating shared prosperity, and deepening exchanges to fortify the global democratic front against authoritarian expansion.
He emphasized Taiwan’s economic significance globally and its role as the 21st largest economy, pointing out the fruitful interactions between Taiwan and Kosovo in the fields of technology and healthcare. Lai recognized the potential for strengthening secure and reliable democratic industrial chains through collaboration to contribute to global economic prosperity.
The visit underscores the importance of ongoing collaborations in various areas such as economic and trade relations, parliamentary cooperation, technological advancements, and healthcare, with both countries poised to deepen cooperation further. Lai expressed his desire to continue strengthening ties with Kosovo, fostering exchanges, and promoting mutual prosperity and well-being as he assumes office on May 20.
Accompanying members of the delegation included Artan Abrashi, co-chair of the Kosovo-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, MPs Time Kadrijaj and Driton Selmanaj, along with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Xie Wuqiao, and Vice Secretary-General of the National Security Council, Xu Sijian, who attended the meeting at the Presidential Office.