March 14, 2016
No. 061
Former President of the Republic of Poland Aleksander Kwaśniewski is visiting the Republic of China (Taiwan) from March 13 to 17, 2016, at the invitation of the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The purpose of his visit is to gain a better understanding of the most recent political and economic developments in Taiwan, the security situation in East Asia, South China Sea issues, cross-strait relations, Taiwan’s relations with the European Union, as well as Taiwan’s experience in supporting small and medium enterprises, promoting innovation in the IT industry, and serving its overseas communities. He will also share important insights gained from his longstanding role as a leader in Polish politics and European affairs.
Former President Kwaśniewski will meet with Vice President Wu Den-yih, President-elect Tsai Ing-wen, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Cho Shih-chao, Deputy Minister of the Overseas Community Affairs Council Hsin Shih-chang, Vice President of the National Policy Foundation Yang Chin-tien, Secretary General of the Democratic Progressive Party Joseph Wu, and Chairwoman of the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises Lin Hui-ying. He will also attend a dinner hosted by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Leo C. J. Lee, as well as luncheons hosted by Chairman of the Taipei Forum Su Chi and President of National Taiwan University (NTU) Yang Pan-chyr. At NTU, he will deliver a speech entitled “Regional Power in International Organizations: the Case of Poland in the EU and Its Implication for Taiwan.” In addition, he will call at several leading companies and visit Yangmingshan National Park, the National Palace Museum, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, and Shilin Night Market.
Mr. Kwaśniewski was twice elected president of Poland—in 1995 and 2000—and still is the only president in post-Cold War Poland to win reelection. During his presidency, he successfully facilitated Poland’s accession to NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004, establishing a solid foundation for the political, economic, and social transformation of the country.
Taiwan and Poland enjoy cordial and substantive relations. In recent years, the two countries have signed agreements and memorandums of understanding in such areas as working holidays, air transport, pharmaceutical products and medical devices, and mutual recognition of driver’s licenses, so as to further deepen bilateral exchanges and cooperation. (E)