On the afternoon of January 8, Legislative Yuan Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang (江啟臣) received a seven-member delegation from the Italy-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group. He was accompanied by DPP Legislator Dr. Wang Ting-Yu, President of the Taiwan-Italy Parliament Members Friendship Caucus; KMT Legislator Dr. Ko Ju-Chun; and Representative Marco Lombardi of the Italian Economic, Trade, and Cultural Promotion Office in Taipei (IETCPO).
In his remarks, Vice President Chiang first welcomed the delegation led by MP Alessandro Cattaneo on behalf of the Legislative Yuan and its President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜), noting that this was the first parliamentary delegation he has received in 2026 and that all members were visiting Taiwan for the first time, making the occasion particularly meaningful. Vice President Chiang added that this was the fourth Italian parliamentary delegation he has received during the current (11th) Legislative Yuan, reflecting increasingly close parliamentary exchanges between Taiwan and Italy. He also recalled leading a cross-party delegation to Milan and Rome in 2024, and noted that EVA Air’s launch of the Taipei–Milan direct flight in 2022 and the official opening of the Taipei Representative Office in Milan in October 2023 symbolize the deepening bilateral relationship, with tangible progress in economy, trade, industry, and people-to-people exchanges.
Vice President Chiang expressed gratitude for the Italian Parliament’s long-standing and steadfast support for Taiwan, including backing Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international affairs and attention to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, as well as Italy’s naval deployments to the Indo-Pacific for training and patrol missions. He noted that Italy is Taiwan’s fourth-largest trading partner within the European Union, with strong foundations for cooperation in semiconductors, electric vehicles, machinery manufacturing, and academic exchanges. Lastly, Vice President Chiang emphasized that the Legislative Yuan places great importance on parliamentary exchanges with Italy and established the Taiwan-Italy Parliament Members Friendship Caucus in 2024 through cross-party collaboration, with the hope of further deepening bilateral cooperation and mutual trust.
MP Cattaneo thanked Vice President Chiang for the warm reception and said he was honored to visit the Legislative Yuan, the core symbol of Taiwan’s democracy. He noted that the delegation included members from both the Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies representing six different political parties, demonstrating the Italian Parliament’s strong commitment to and friendly support for Taiwan, as well as the recognition by Italy and European democratic partners of Taiwan’s democratic development. MP Cattaneo expressed hope for further expanding substantive cooperation between Taiwan and Italy in economic, cultural, and other diverse fields to build a mutually beneficial and long-term partnership. He also extended special thanks to IETCPO Representative Lombardi for his longstanding efforts in Taiwan to promote bilateral exchanges and strengthen Taiwan-Italy relations. Responding humorously to Vice President Chiang’s remark that this was the first delegation received in 2026, he added that beginning the new year with an Italian delegation symbolizes a year filled with good fortune and fruitful outcomes.
During the exchange, Legislator Wang noted that Italy’s refined cuisine and luxury brands are widely admired and deeply appreciated in Taiwan. He thanked the Italian government for its close cooperation with Taiwan on national defense and security and highlighted that Taiwan’s semiconductor company GlobalWafers has invested in facilities in Italy, demonstrating strong complementarity in high-tech and industrial cooperation between the two countries. Legislator Wang also introduced his constituency in Tainan, describing it as both a culinary capital and a hub for technology and design, rich in history, culture, and creativity. He invited the delegation to visit the Chimei Museum, which houses renowned Italian violins that showcase the profound influence of Italian craftsmanship and art. Legislator Wang further shared his past experience of spending one month in Caserta, noting that the local culture and way of life left a lasting impression on him. He expressed hope that continued mutual visits and exchanges will further deepen bilateral ties, and looked forward to Italy becoming an important partner linking Taiwan with Europe and helping European countries gain a better understanding of Taiwan.
Legislator Ko noted that through joint efforts by President Han, Vice President Chiang, and cross-party legislators, the Legislative Yuan completed the passage of the Taiwan AI Fundamental Act at the end of 2025, emphasizing that technological development must also balance humanistic values and ethical considerations. Legislator Ko also shared his longstanding interest in Italian cinema and arts and said he is a fan of Italian actor and director Toni Servillo. He expressed hope for further expanding Taiwan-Italy exchanges in film, education, and culture, and said he welcomes opportunities to explore concrete cooperation with relevant ministries. In addition, Legislator Ko wished the delegation a successful and rewarding visit.
The two sides also engaged in wide-ranging discussions on parliamentary diplomacy, economy and trade, industrial cooperation, semiconductors, film, education, culture, and talent exchanges. The meeting lasted approximately 50 minutes and was conducted in a warm and cordial atmosphere; in addition, both sides exchanged commemorative gifts and took group photos. Following the meeting, President Wang of the Taiwan-Italy Parliament Members Friendship Caucus and Legislator Ko accompanied the delegation on a visit to the Legislative Yuan chamber, concluding the event successfully. (2026/01/08)
