On the morning of December 5, Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Chang Yu-Jung (張裕榮) of the Legislative Yuan attended the inauguration ceremony of the “R.O.C.-Slovakia Parliamentary Amity Association” and the “R.O.C.-Portugal Parliamentary Amity Association,” initiated by KMT Legislator Dr. Lin Chien-Chi. The event was attended by a host of distinguished guests, including cross-party KMT Legislators Chen Yu-Jen, Hung Mong-Kai, Huang Chien-Pin, Dr. Yang Chiung-Ying, Lin Te-Fu, Lo Ting-Wei, Wang Yu-Min, Lu Yu-Ling, Lin Szu-Ming, Chiu Jo-Hua, Wang Hung-Wei, Wan Mei-Ling, Dr. Su Ching-Chuan, Dr. Weng Hsiao-Ling, and Dr. Lai Shyh-Bao; TPP Legislators Chen Gau-Tzu and Mai Yu-Chen; and DPP Legislator Wang Mei-Hui. Also in attendance were Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. François Chihchung Wu; Deputy Secretary-General Josephine Lee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of European Affairs; head of the Portuguese cross-party parliamentary delegation MP João Pinho de Almeida, joined by MP Pedro Correia and MP Rui Rocha; and Executive Director Matej Šimalčík of the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS). All gathered to witness the official establishment of the amity associations in a lively atmosphere.
The ceremony commenced with opening remarks by the initiator, Legislator Lin. Delivering her address in Portuguese, she outlined the associations’ mission and goals and extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests. Deputy Secretary-General Chang then delivered remarks, stating that he was honored to represent the President of the Legislative Yuan at the inauguration of the “R.O.C.-Slovakia Parliamentary Amity Association” and the “R.O.C.-Portugal Parliamentary Amity Association.” He extended a special welcome to the Portuguese cross-party parliamentarians who had traveled from afar, thanking them for participating and gracing the event with their presence.
Deputy Secretary-General Chang pointed out that both Portugal and Slovakia are important member states of the European Union, with profound historical and cultural foundations and a significant role in the areas of economic development paths and democratic governance. He added that although Taiwan does not have formal diplomatic ties with these two countries, they all share the core values of democracy, respect for human rights, and free markets; furthermore, over the years, pragmatic cooperation has flourished in fields such as trade, culture, education, and technology, fostering a solid foundation of mutual trust and friendship.
Deputy Secretary-General Chang further expressed his gratitude to Legislator Lin for promoting the establishment of these two associations. He emphasized that the two amity associations not only represent significant milestones in strengthening parliamentary diplomacy but also mark a pivotal starting point to further deepen Taiwan’s relations with Portugal and Slovakia. He pledged that the Legislative Yuan would provide full administrative assistance for any future needs of the associations.
Following the remarks, Deputy Secretary-General Lee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of European Affairs and Executive Director Šimalčík of CEIAS delivered congratulatory remarks. Legislator Lin then presided over the adoption of the organizational charters and the election of the Chairs and Vice Chairs. The ceremony lasted approximately 40 minutes and concluded successfully in a harmonious and enthusiastic atmosphere.
