Li-kuo Chen
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
June 19, 2024
(As delivered)
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good evening! Gudden Owend!
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I am delighted to join you all for tonight’s special event. I extend my warmest congratulations to His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri and the people of Luxembourg on this auspicious occasion.
Last year, while serving as representative of the Taipei Representative Office in the European Union and Belgium, I met Executive Director Kaufhold. Lex, it is great to see you again. I hope you are enjoying your time in Taiwan.
Taiwan and Luxembourg are like-minded partners that share the values of democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Luxembourg Trade and Investment Office in Taipei. Since its launch, bilateral collaboration in various sectors—including trade, finance, science, technology, education, and green energy—has grown and flourished. And through the annual Taiwan-Luxembourg Joint Business Council Meeting, our countries are steadily enhancing cooperation in trade and investment.
In recent years, Luxembourg has stepped up its support of Taiwan, including advocating Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and reiterating the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. In April, the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies voted unanimously to pass a motion supporting Taiwan’s international participation and bolstering cooperation with Taiwan. At the 77th plenary session of the World Health Assembly in May, Luxembourg spoke up for Taiwan for the third consecutive year, urging the World Health Organization to include Taiwan in its meetings and mechanisms. I express my sincere gratitude to Luxembourg for its staunch backing of Taiwan.
In closing, I wish you all the best of health and happiness. May the friendship between Taiwan and Luxembourg only continue to thrive. Thank you!