November 20, 2015
No. 271
The ROC government welcomes the statement released November 19 by Werner Langen, President of the European Parliament’s Taiwan Friendship Group regarding the signing of a law enforcement cooperation agreement in fisheries matters by Taiwan and the Philippines. The text of the statement is as follows:
“The Taiwan Friendship Group in the European Parliament highly welcomes the conclusion of the law enforcement cooperation agreement between Taiwan and the Philippines concerning fishery matters.
Regarding the tragic events of 2013 involving Guang Da Xing No. 28 fishing boat both sides have successfully held talks and have shown their commitment to resolve crises peacefully as reflected in President Ma Ying-jeou’s South China Sea Peace Initiative.
The parties have agreed to three important principles of cooperation which is the avoidance of violence, the establishment of an emergency notification system and a prompt release mechanism. This will be of benefit to the people of both sides and to the stability and security in East Asia.
I strongly welcome President Ma Ying-jeou’s continuous endeavour to create peace and stability in the East-Asia Region.”
The government of the Republic of China welcomes this friendly statement, and thanks President Langen and the EP-Taiwan Friendship Group. (E)