November 29, 2021
No. 253
Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu hosted a luncheon on November 29 to welcome the chairs of parliamentary Taiwan friendship groups and other members of the joint parliamentarian delegation from the three Baltic countries (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia), who are in Taiwan to attend the 2021 Open Parliament Forum. Minister Wu thanked the delegation members for their steadfast support of Taiwan, freedom, and democracy. He also exchanged views with them on regional developments and bilateral ties.
Minister Wu stressed that in recent years, Taiwan’s relations with Europe, especially with the Baltic nations, have made significant advancements in all areas and that his visit to Europe in October left a strong impression on him. Furthermore, National Development Council Minister Kung Ming-hsin led a delegation to the region; former Vice President Chen Chien-jen attended the Future of Democracy forum at the invitation of Lithuania; and the new Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania was opened. Minister Wu said he cherished the opportunity to meet with friends who offer encouragement and support and seek to engage in collaboration to defend shared values such as freedom and democracy and deepen bilateral cooperation. He expressed confidence that Taiwan and the Baltic countries will continue to expand bilateral exchange, thereby deepening friendships and enriching bilateral cooperation. Minister Wu also stated that the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) wholeheartedly welcomed the Baltic parliamentarians, expressing appreciation for the long-standing support that their countries have shown for Taiwan’s international participation, as well as for their efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
Minister Wu added that Taiwan and the Baltic states are values-based partners given their shared commitment to freedom, democracy, and human rights. However, our countries also face challenges due to the threat of authoritarian regimes. Thirty years ago, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia formed a chain for democracy, and today they still inspire democratic proponents worldwide. Taiwan will work with the Baltic countries to create prosperous democracies that are even more resilient.
During his address, Matas Maldeikis, Head of the Lithuanian Parliamentary Group for Relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan), stated that this visit highlights the solidarity of democratic partners in staunchly supporting Taiwan. He also conveyed to the people of Taiwan the resolution of Baltic nations to stay on the path of democracy with Taiwan and stand on the right side of history. The visiting parliamentarians stated that the Taiwanese people’s commitment to democracy and resilience in facing the threat of authoritarianism, as well as civil society’s determination to uphold democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, left an indelible impression on them.
The delegation for the Open Parliament Forum comprises 10 parliamentarians, including Matas Maldeikis, Jānis Vucāns, and Jüri Jaanson, chairs of the parliamentary Taiwan friendship groups of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, respectively. The members arrived on November 28 and began their official itinerary the following day. (E)