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MOFA welcomes visits by parliamentary delegation from Guatemala, Ireland, Marshall Islands

The visits of parliamentary delegations from Taiwan’s allies Guatemala and the Marshall Islands, as well as the like-minded partner Ireland are sincerely welcomed by the government and people of Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said July 14.   Led by Brenson Wase, speaker of the Marshall Islands Legislature known as the Nitijela, the cross-party group comprises senators Bruce Loeak, Jack Ading and Wilbur Heine. After being welcomed by Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport July 11, delegation members will meet with President Lai Ching-te, attend a banquet hosted by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and call on Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han, the Council of the Indigenous Peoples Minister Ljaucu Zingrur and Taipei City Mayor Chiang Wan-an during their six-day trip.   Following the Pacific ally’s group, the Irish delegation arriving July 14 was led by Diarmuid Wilson, deputy chair of the Senate’s Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, and comprises senators Garret Ahearn, Gerard Craughwell, Gerry Horkan and Sharon Keogan. Their six-day itinerary includes an audience with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, meetings with Legislative Yuan Vice President Johnny C. Chiang, Foreign Minister Lin and Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Shen Yu-chung, a banquet hosted by Vice Foreign Minister Remus Li-Kuo Chen and visits to scenic spots in Taipei City and northeastern Taiwan’s Yilan County.   Arriving July 15, the cross-party Guatemalan group was led by Congress President Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos with other Congress leaders and members César Amézquita, José Sanabria, Karina Paz, and Victor Alburez. The delegation will meet with President Lai, attend a banquet hosted by Foreign Minister Lin, and visit the Legislative Yuan, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of the Interior National Police Agency and the International Cooperation and Development Fund, as well as tour cultural and economic facilities including the Southern Taiwan Science Park during their five-day trip.   According to the MOFA, Taiwan has deep cooperation with the Marshall Islands in areas spanning infrastructure, medical care and women’s empowerment, while working closely with Guatemala in fields such as agricultural technology exchanges and higher education. Support from Ramos and Irish delegation members for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations like the World Health Assembly is sincerely appreciated, the ministry said, adding that the government will continue strengthening bilateral relationships with its allies and partners. (YCH-E)   Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw