May 6, 2023
No. 146
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Jaushieh Joseph Wu attended the opening ceremony of the 2023 Europe Festival at Huashan 1914 Creative Park on the morning of May 6. The event was cohosted by the European Economic and Trade Office (EETO), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Culture (MOC), and the Taipei City government, with assistance from representative offices of 16 European Union member states in Taiwan. Taipei City Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-hua, MOC representatives, and representatives of EU countries attended the ceremony.
In his remarks, Minister Wu noted that this year marked the 20th anniversaries of the EETO and the Slovak Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan. Stating that Taiwan’s partnerships with the EU and European nations had advanced significantly in recent years, he said that the European Parliament and the national parliaments of many European countries had adopted multiple resolutions backing Taiwan and that many delegations had visited Taiwan from Europe, demonstrating support for Taiwan. Minister Wu also quoted MOFA’s announcement last month that it would open an office in Milan, as well as mentioning the launch of direct flights between Taipei and Prague in July. He further thanked European countries for their high regard for peace across the Taiwan Strait and joint opposition to any unilateral change to the status quo, adding that Taiwan would continue to work with European partners to support Ukraine and jointly counter authoritarian aggression.
Also speaking at the event, Head of the EETO Filip Grzegorzewski expressed appreciation for the organizers’ support for the Europe Festival, which he explained was held to celebrate Europe Day—on May 9—in commemoration of the end of World War II and Europe’s pursuit of peace and unity through the signing of the Paris Peace Treaties. Mr. Grzegorzewski said that for the second consecutive year, the EETO had set up a special stall to raise funds for Ukraine, which this year would go toward purchasing an ambulance. He also stressed that Taiwan, the EU, and other like-minded partners must work together in solidarity to counter the global challenges and threats they faced.
The 2023 Europe Festival featured nearly 100 stalls serving European cuisines, offering handicraft experiences, and presenting music, dance, and other cultural performances. More than 10,000 visitors attended. Minister Wu visited stalls set up by the EETO and representative offices of EU member countries, interacting with their representatives and staff. He also visited the Ukrainian stall to demonstrate support for Ukraine. The event proved to be a lively and grand affair. (E)