On the morning of January 23, Legislative Yuan Deputy Secretary General Dr. Chang Yu-Jung (張裕榮) attended the inauguration ceremony of the Republic of China-Middle East Parliamentary Amity Association, initiated by KMT Legislator Ma Wen-Chun. Distinguished guests in attendance included KMT Legislators Niu Hsu-Ting, Wang Yu-Min, Hung Mong-Kai, Hsu Chiao-Hsin, Huang Chien-Hao, Chang Chih-Lun, Adm. Chen Yeong-Kang, Lo Ting-Wei, Dr. Weng Hsiao-Ling, Hsu Yu-Chen, Dr. Yang Chiung-Ying, Huang Chien-Pin, Huang Jen, Chen Ching-Hui, Lin Te-Fu, Chiu Cheng-Chun, Wang Hung-Wei, Liao Hsien-Hsiang, Dr. Lu Hsien-Yi, Liao Wei-Hsiang, Dr. Su Ching-Chuan, Lu Yu-Ling, Dr. Cheng Cheng-Chien, Lo Chih-Chiang, and Dr. Lin Chien-Chi, as well as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. François Chihchung Wu, Deputy Minister of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Lee Yen-Hui, Director-General of the Department of West Asian and African Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Yen Chia-Liang, and Chairman of the Taiwan-Saudi Friendship Association Dr. Daniel Hsu.
The ceremony began with opening remarks by the initiator, Legislator Ma, and was followed by the approval of the association’s charter and the election of the president and vice presidents. In his remarks, Deputy Secretary General Chang noted that he was honored to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Republic of China-Middle East Parliamentary Amity Association on behalf of President of Legislative Yuan Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜). He highlighted the importance of the Middle East not only as a key hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, but also as a major birthplace of human civilization. He added that with abundant oil resources and cultural diversity, the Middle East has played a vital role in global politics, economics, energy security, and religious civilization.
Deputy Secretary General Chang pointed out that the trajectory of international affairs is frequently shaped by developments in the Middle East, and that the Republic of China (ROC) has maintained a long-standing friendship and deep-rooted bond with Middle Eastern countries. He mentioned that one example of this mutual friendship was the generous assistance from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in many of Taiwan’s major public infrastructure projects. He shared that among these projects, the Sino-Saudi Bridge (Zhongsha Bridge) spanning the Zhuoshui River remains the finest testament to the enduring friendship and spirit of mutual aid between the two sides.
Deputy Secretary General Chang stressed that Taiwan imports 70% of its crude oil from the Middle East, making the region Taiwan’s largest energy supplier, whose energy sustains Taiwan’s overall industrial development and the globally trusted semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. He went on to remark that in recent years, Middle Eastern countries have actively pursued economic and industrial transformation, including large-scale investments in AI and digital technology parks, and that these initiatives are mutually complementary with Taiwan’s leadership in high-end chips and AI hardware manufacturing.
Lastly, Deputy Secretary General Chang affirmed that against this backdrop, increased parliamentary-level exchanges hold profound significance for expanding bilateral cooperation. He thanked Legislator Ma for initiating the establishment of the Republic of China-Middle East Parliamentary Amity Association, which will serve as an important dialogue platform for parliamentary diplomacy between Taiwan and countries in the Middle East. He also expressed the hope that Taiwan’s legislators and Middle Eastern parliamentarians will create closer and more stable communication channels, deepen the exchange of policy-making experiences, and embark on more substantive dialogue and cooperation. He affirmed that the Legislative Yuan will provide the association with any administrative assistance and support as needed.
Afterwards, Deputy Foreign Minister Wu and OCAC Deputy Minister Lee delivered congratulatory remarks respectively. Legislator Ma then engaged with the participating guests for further exchanges and discussions. The event lasted approximately 40 minutes and concluded on a successful note. (2026/01/23)
