Foreign Minister Wu hosts Baltic parliamentarian delegation

2021/12/01

Taiwan is committed to enhancing relations with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on the basis of shared values such as freedom, democracy and respect for human rights, according to Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu Nov. 29.
 
Taiwan and the EU member states share the same democratic development path, with the spirit of the Baltic way serving as an inspirational example, Wu said. The government looks forward to expanding cooperation and exchanges with the three countries in promoting resilience and prosperity for the democratic world, he added.
 
Wu made the remarks while hosting a luncheon for a 10-member parliamentarian delegation from the Baltics at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei City.
 
In country for the Open Parliament Forum taking place Dec. 2 to 3 in Taipei, the delegation includes Matas Maldeikis, Janis Vucans and Juri Jaanson, chairs of the Taiwan friendship groups in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, respectively.
 
Wu said ties between Taiwan and the Baltics are progressing across the board. This is evidenced by recent events like former Vice President Chen Chien-jen’s participation in the Future of Democracy forum in Vilnius, the inauguration of the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania, and the EU trade and investment tour led by National Development Council Minister Kung Ming-hsin.
 
Wu also took the opportunity to thank Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania for staunchly supporting Taiwan’s international participation. The government and people sincerely appreciate these efforts in fostering closer bilateral relations.
 
In response, Maldeikis said the delegation’s visit underscores the unwavering support of Taiwan’s democratic partners worldwide. The people of the Baltics stand shoulder to shoulder with Taiwan on the right side of history, he added.
 
Taiwan has shown great resilience and resolution in the face of intimidation from authoritarianism, Maldeikis said, adding that the delegation is deeply impressed by the country’s thriving civic society.
 
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “Freedom, democracy & human rights were high on the menu at the banquet held by Minister Wu for the delegation of MPs from #Estonia, #Latvia & #Lithuania. We’re grateful for the support of our like-minded friends & thank them for courageously choosing to #StandWithTaiwan.”


Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)