Jaushieh Joseph Wu
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
August 8, 2023
(As Prepared for Delivery)
good morning!
I am pleased to introduce one of Taiwan’s closest and most long-term friends, who is also the opening keynote speaker for this year’s Ketagalan Forum—His Excellency Taro Aso, vice president of the Liberal Democratic Party and former prime minister of Japan. On behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, I would like to extend my warmest welcome to Aso-san on his 15th visit.
His Excellency Taro Aso graduated from Gakushuin University, one of Japan’s most prestigious institutions, and later studied at Stanford University and the University of London. He has served in the National Diet of Japan for 14 terms since first being elected in 1979.
His Excellency Taro Aso has held a number of prominent government positions, including minister of foreign affairs, deputy prime minister, and minister of finance. In 2008, he was elected president of the LDP and soon became prime minister. In that position, he built on former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s legacy to further Japan’s role as a global leader and, especially, deepen its friendship with Taiwan.
During the height of the SARS outbreak, His Excellency Taro Aso led a bipartisan delegation to Taiwan as then chairman of the LDP Policy Research Council. His visit not only demonstrated support for Taiwan as it fought SARS with practical measures, but also warmed the hearts of the Taiwanese people. In his capacity as deputy prime minister, he expressed steadfast support for Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic and advocated for Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Organization.
Throughout his career, His Excellency Taro Aso has also recognized the strategic importance of Taiwan-Japan ties and has actively worked to strengthen this relationship based on mutual respect, shared values, and deep historical and cultural connections. At numerous international events, he has emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposed unilateral changes to the status quo.
In addition to deepening relations with Taiwan, he has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to strengthening Japan’s global presence and promoting regional stability. As Japan is a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, I believe that all of us here today are eager to hear His Excellency Taro Aso’s perspective and insights.
So, without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the forum’s opening keynote speaker, His Excellency Taro Aso. Thank you!