Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met with the “New Zealand Parliament Cross-Party Friendship Group Delegation to Taiwan” today, emphasizing the need for democratic countries to unite and cooperate in the face of various challenges in the geopolitics and economy of the Indo-Pacific region, in order to maintain regional peace and stability.
In her speech, President Tsai highlighted that both New Zealand and Taiwan are democratic countries that uphold freedom, human rights, and share common goals of pursuing peace and prosperity regardless of political affiliations. She warmly welcomed Member of Parliament Joseph Mooney leading the cross-party delegation from New Zealand to visit Taiwan, and expressed her delight in seeing Member of Parliament Ingrid Leary once again. The visiting delegation comprises members from New Zealand’s four major political parties, many of whom are visiting Taiwan for the first time, which is expected to deepen their understanding of Taiwan and facilitate further cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and New Zealand.
President Tsai mentioned the numerous challenges faced by the Indo-Pacific region in recent years, highlighting the importance of democratic countries coming together, strengthening cooperation, and collectively safeguarding regional peace and stability. She recalled the importance of preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, as reiterated in the Joint Statement following the inaugural “Australia-New Zealand Ministerial Consultations” in February this year. Both Member of Parliament Mooney and Member of Parliament Leary urged the New Zealand government to recognize the significance of Taiwan Strait security to New Zealand’s economy and national security, for which President Tsai expressed sincere gratitude.
President Tsai pointed out that in recent years, the economic and trade relations between Taiwan and New Zealand have been growing closer. New Zealand’s cherries, kiwifruits, and dairy products are highly favored by the Taiwanese people. Just last week, the New Zealand government opened its market for Taiwanese pineapples, marking a significant breakthrough for Taiwan’s high-quality agricultural products in the international market and a crucial achievement in deepening bilateral cooperation.
Pineapples are a symbol of prosperity in Taiwan, and President Tsai expressed her profound appreciation for the delegation’s tangible support for Taiwan. She looks forward to continued assistance in various areas of exchange between Taiwan and New Zealand, such as digital economy, indigenous culture, and clean energy. Lastly, she extended her best wishes for the delegation’s fruitful visit.
Co-Chair of the New Zealand Parliament Cross-Party Friendship Group, Member of Parliament Mooney, stated during his address that the delegation members represent New Zealand’s four main political parties – National Party, New Zealand First, Green Party, and Labour Party. He expressed his joy and honor in visiting Taiwan, noting that back in 2013, New Zealand was the first OECD country to sign a trade agreement with Taiwan, establishing a long-standing relationship between the two nations. He was delighted to hear President Tsai mention the love of Taiwanese people for New Zealand’s kiwifruits and cherries, as well as the recent import opening for Taiwanese pineapples, of which the delegation had the pleasure of tasting and finding utterly delicious.
Mooney highlighted that another commonality between Taiwan and New Zealand is indigenous culture. The delegation visited an Atayal tribal village, where they marveled at the children’s remarkable songs, reminiscent of New Zealand’s indigenous Maori people whose origins trace back to Taiwan thousands of years ago.
Mooney emphasized the shared belief and respect for democracy between Taiwan and New Zealand. While New Zealand boasts one of the world’s earliest democratic systems, Taiwan’s democracy is relatively younger, yet both countries are eager to deepen their understanding of each other’s democratic practices. He stressed the mutual value of peace and prosperity, particularly amid increasing challenges, urging a commitment to upholding global peace and prosperity.
“The digital economy is becoming increasingly vital worldwide,” Mooney remarked, noting that the delegation also visited the Hsinchu Science Park, where they were impressed by Taiwan’s innovations and technological prowess in the information and communications industry. With the growing importance of ICT and digital technology, Taiwan is poised to play a significant role, and the close collaboration among academia, government, and industry in Taiwan left a lasting impression on the delegation.
Regarding President Tsai’s mention of clean energy, Mooney stated that New Zealand possesses relevant technology and capabilities to offer more assistance to Taiwan, particularly in geothermal energy. The delegation also visited Taiwan’s geothermal hot springs, identifying it as a promising area for Taiwan and New Zealand to collaborate and develop together.
Co-Chair Member of Parliament Leary commenced her address by greeting everyone in Maori language, expressing that the delegation comprises representatives from New Zealand’s four political parties, including her own Labour Party, symbolically representing all six parties in the New Zealand Parliament along with Taiwan in spirit.
Leary conveyed her condolences for the recent earthquake in Taiwan, acknowledging the resilience demonstrated by Taiwan in the face of challenges, which resonated with the people of New Zealand.
She congratulated Taiwan on successfully completing a peaceful election, especially in the current tumultuous global environment, emphasizing the significance of democratic countries smoothly transferring power, showcasing the beacon of democracy, a cherished feat for all.
Speaking of the cultural connections between New Zealand, Taiwan, and the Pacific region, Leary mentioned that Member of Parliament Jenny Salesa is a New Zealand indigenous Maori with ties to Tonga, illustrating the enduring and sustainable relationships between the countries. Though the gathering was brief, the relationships have spanned thousands of years and will continue into the future.
Leary shared that the delegation’s visits to the Atayal tribal village and the National Human Rights Museum deeply moved them. Understanding Taiwan’s history has further enlightened them on why Taiwanese steadfastly uphold values such as freedom, democracy, and rule of law.
She noted her visit to Taiwan last year and her advocacy for Taiwan in the “Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China” (IPAC) held in Washington, recognizing Taiwan’s eagerness to participate in international forums and share its experiences and practices—a message she intends to convey back to New Zealand.
She emphasized that, “While Taiwan and New Zealand are geographically distant, both nations, like our ancestors, hold the peaceful and secure seas in high regard.” New Zealand will continue to contribute to ensuring regional peace, security, and prosperity. She looks forward to the deepening and enduring Taiwan-New Zealand relationship over the decades and centuries to come. Lastly, she expressed her gratitude once again for Taiwan’s warm reception to the delegation. Subsequently, the delegation joined in singing the Maori song “TUTIRA MAI NGA IWI” as a heartfelt blessing to Taiwan.
Other distinguished guests present today included Members of Parliament Sam Uffindell, Andy Foster, Todd Stephenson, Jenny Salesa, accompanied by Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Zhaoxie, and the Ambassador to New Zealand Ouyang An from the Republic of China (Taiwan) who visited the Presidential Office, where Secretary-General Lin Chialung was also in attendance.