Tien, Chung-kwang
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
November 23, 2023
(As delivered)
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening!
I am delighted to participate in the opening of the Taiwan European Film Festival for the third consecutive year. On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the EETO for organizing such a wonderful event.
This film festival reflects Europe’s diversity, and offers people in Taiwan a glimpse into European cultures. Over the past two decades, this event has entertained more than 180,000 viewers, with a selection of featured movies each year. This selection has expanded as our friendship with Europe has flourished.
This year, we will be presented with 19 films from 19 different European countries, with a special addition from our new friend, Lithuania. We are pleased to know that a Ukrainian movie is included in this year selection, highlighting the shared appreciation for storytelling from various corners of the world.
Movies provide us with different perspectives, allowing us to understand the world and glimpse into lives we may never experience. I understand that the opening film, "Homeward," serves as a bitter reminder of the impact of conflict. It has been over one and a half years since Russia invaded Ukraine, "Homeward" compels us to remember the toll on innocent lives.
At the forefront against authoritarian regimes, Taiwan will always remember the hard-earned freedom and democracy. We stand ready to lend a helping hand to the Ukrainian civil society to rebuild their homeland.
Once again, I would like to thank EETO and all participating countries for making this fabulous event possible. I believe that through the soft power such as movies, we can better understand each other, find common grounds on cherished values, and lay a solid foundation for a better world. Thank you.