Jaushieh Joseph Wu
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
August 4, 2023
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Ladies and gentlemen:
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I am very pleased to host this luncheon in honor of the delegation from the Israeli Knesset.
This delegation is the first cross-party parliamentary group from Israel to visit Taiwan in the postpandemic era. As the parliaments of democratic nations represent the will of their constituents, your visit symbolizes the precious friendship between our two countries and peoples.
Mr. Yorai has spared no effort in promoting our nations’ bilateral relations. The other members of your delegation have also done much to deepen collaboration and connections, particularly in such areas as climate change, education, equal access to services, and democratic affairs. I thank you for your dedication and friendship.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the mutual establishment of representative offices in Taiwan and Israel. Over the past three decades, the relationship between our countries has continued to deepen. To date, we have signed 32 bilateral agreements covering research, technology, visa-free entry, education, volunteering, working holidays, and so on. In this special anniversary year, Taiwan and Israel are engaging in a wide range of activities to celebrate our valuable and robust friendship. And your visit at this time of celebration heralds further cooperation in more new areas.
In recent years, the international community has paid close attention to the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Parliaments around the world have reaffirmed their staunch support for Taiwan. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to members of the Knesset for joining parliamentarians from other like-minded countries in speaking out.
Taiwan and Israel are both vibrant democracies and share common values. We cherish freedom and uphold the principles of good governance, human rights, and the rule of law. And we both wish to maintain our democratic way of life. Let us continue to work together in safeguarding these worthwhile values.
In closing, I once again welcome the delegation from the Israeli Knesset. I wish you all a productive visit, and the best of health and happiness. Thank you!