At noon on April 22, Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜), accompanied by Taiwan-France Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association Chair and DPP Legislator Lin Chu-Yin, KMT Legislator Niu Hsu-Ting, and TPP Legislator Chen Gau-Tzu, hosted a luncheon in honor of the six-member delegation led by First Vice-President of the French Senate, Didier Mandelli. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. François Chihchung Wu, French Office in Taipei Deputy Director Cléa Le Cardeur, and the Office’s Political Advisor and Head of Press and Communication Vincent Yanelle were also in attendance.
In his opening remarks, President Han extended a sincere welcome to the delegation, stating that it was the seventh French parliamentary delegation he had received since taking office. This demonstrated the close and robust relations between Taiwan and France. He noted that Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan is composed of 113 legislators. Although each party holds a different stance and debates are often vigorous during parliamentary procedures, when meeting with friends from the international community, legislators consistently demonstrate solidarity and hospitality, showcasing diversity and inclusion in a democratic society.
President Han especially expressed his gratitude to the French Senate's Taiwan Friendship Group for its long-standing support for Taiwan, as well as its attention to and actions in safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. He emphasized that France is Taiwan’s crucial partner in Europe, and that both sides share a strong commitment to the values of democracy and freedom. President Han further pointed out that although Taiwan is small in area, its people are very hospitable and friendly. He warmly welcomed the delegation to visit Taiwan again in the future to deepen exchanges.
Delegation head and First Vice-President of the French Senate Didier Mandelli thanked President Han and the legislators in attendance for their warm reception. He extended sincere regards to the Legislative Yuan on behalf of the President of the French Senate and delivered a letter from the French Senate’s Taiwan Friendship Group Chair Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne inviting President Han to lead a delegation to France. Vice-President Mandelli stated that the visit demonstrated the robust friendship between Taiwan and France. The delegation members, he said, were deeply impressed by Taiwanese culture and economic development, and would return home with wonderful memories while continuing to promote future bilateral cooperation. He then introduced the bicameral system of the French Parliament, consisting of the Senate and the National Assembly. He also commented with humor on the heated interactions at the Legislative Yuan during bill examinations, contributing to a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.
During the luncheon, the French Office in Taipei’s Political Advisor and Head of Press and Communication Vincent Yanelle introduced Legislator Lin as “Madame Champagne,” as she successfully advocated for the Legislative Yuan’s passage in 2022 of a reduction in tariffs on French champagne to 10%, the same rate applied to red and white wines, in response to France’s long-standing support for Taiwan. Legislator Niu also expressed support for related tariff policies and hoped that Taiwan and France would continue deepening economic and trade exchanges, and achieving greater prosperity. Legislator Chen exchanged views with the delegation on France’s measures to address declining birthrates.
The two sides also exchanged extensive views on parliamentary session systems, trade cooperation, tariff policies, food culture, and Taiwanese agricultural products. Subsequently, both sides exchanged commemorative gifts and had a group photo in a warm and formal atmosphere. The lunch banquet lasted approximately 90 minutes in a lively and cordial setting and concluded with both hosts and guests thoroughly enjoying the occasion. (2026/04/22)
