Maroc - TAIWANTODAY.TW - Top News - 01/Feb 00:00

FM Lin receives European legislators

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung received a delegation comprising parliamentarians from seven Central and North European countries Feb. 4 in Taipei City to exchange views on security issues and ways to expand bilateral cooperation.   According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin said he has witnessed the ongoing development and thriving of Taiwan-Europe relations over three visits to Europe since last September. He expressed gratitude to Taiwan’s friends throughout the region for their unwavering support and friendship.   Taiwan is eager to be a trusted partner in Europe’s efforts to step up re-industrialization, the minister said, adding that Taiwan can leverage its artificial intelligence and semiconductor prowess to help Europe construct a more resilient non-red supply chain.   The minister also mentioned the RISK Management Initiative on International Undersea Cables that he proposed in October of last year, and said he hoped to see democratic partners in Europe and around the world working in unity to enhance security and resilience of such key infrastructure.   Speaking on behalf of the delegates, Žygimantas Pavilionis, deputy chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lithuanian Seimas, said the delegates understand the close relationship between Taiwan and Europe and the importance of democratic solidarity, as they all hail from countries on the front line of democracy.   The parliamentarians all support the move by Taiwan’s government to enhance the national defense budget and policies to safeguard Taiwan, Pavilionis said. He added that during their visit to Kinmen, the delegates also saw firsthand Taiwan’s history of defending democracy, and said that they will continue to support Taiwan.   The group also met with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim Feb. 5 at the Presidential Office, and attended a Feb. 3 luncheon hosted by Deputy Foreign Minister François Chih-chung Wu. (SFC-E) Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw