On the afternoon of May 20, Legislative Yuan Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang (江啟臣) hosted a luncheon for a nine-member delegation led by Rafal Komarewicz, Chair of the Economic Committee of the Polish Sejm. The luncheon was attended by DPP Legislator Lin Chu-Yin, Chair of the Taiwan-Poland Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association, along with KMT Legislator Dr. Lin Chien-Chi and TPP Legislator Tsai Chun-Chou.
Vice President Chiang first extended a warm welcome to the delegation and introduced the cross-party legislators in attendance one by one. He thanked Poland for its long-standing and steadfast support for Taiwan. He emphasized that although Taiwan and Poland are separated by a great distance, the friendship between the two sides has always remained close. He also expressed hope that the delegation members visiting Taiwan for the first time would have the opportunity to experience Taiwan’s natural beauty, diverse culture, and culinary appeal, as well as the warmth and friendliness of its people. Vice President Chiang further noted that economic, trade, and technological cooperation between Taiwan and Poland has grown steadily in recent years, demonstrating the high degree of complementarity between the two sides’ industries. As Poland is located at the heart of Europe and has great market potential, Taiwan and Poland can serve as important gateways for each other in Asia and Europe. He expressed hope that the parliaments of both sides will continue to deepen exchanges in the future and inject new momentum into Taiwan-Poland cooperation.
In response, Chair Komarewicz thanked Vice President Chiang and the legislators present for taking the time to host the delegation. He said that although Taiwan and Poland are geographically far apart, the trip felt as close as flying to the United Kingdom. Taiwan and Poland share core values such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and the people of both countries are warm and friendly. For this reason, he said he very much looks forward to Vice President Chiang leading a delegation to visit Poland in the future, and that he would be delighted to welcome the delegation. Chair Komarewicz also mentioned that Poland will host the Taiwan Expo in Europe for the second time in mid-June this year. The event will bring together many enterprises from the European Union and Taiwan, demonstrating a strong consensus across sectors on deepening Taiwan-Poland cooperation.
During the bilateral exchanges, Legislator Lin Chu-Yin, Chair of the Taiwan-Poland Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association, said that a series of “Taiwan Day” events will be held in Warsaw, Łódź, and Opole beginning on September 9 this year. Through cultural performances, the events will showcase the distinctive features of Taiwan’s traditional temple procession culture, and a cross-party delegation of legislators will also be invited to take part. She also noted that Taiwan-Poland economic and trade relations have become increasingly vibrant. Polish blueberries are now allowed to be imported into Taiwan, and airlines are also evaluating the possibility of opening direct flights between Taiwan and Poland, showing promising prospects for bilateral exchanges.
Legislator Lin Chien-Chi introduced Taiwan’s diverse food culture to the delegation, noting that it has been deeply shaped by Taiwan’s immigrant society. She said Taiwan offers a wide variety of distinctive cuisines, making it difficult to represent the country with just one or two dishes. She also highlighted Taiwan’s vibrant street food culture, which she described as one of the most notable differences between Taiwanese and European food cultures. Legislator Lin invited the delegation to visit her Indigenous hometown in the future to experience local culture and specialty foods firsthand.
Legislator Tsai Chun-Chou introduced Taiwan’s Mazu faith to the delegation. Drawing a comparison with the Camino de Santiago in Spain, she explained that Taiwan’s Mazu pilgrimage culture attracts nearly 300,000 participants each year and is a grand event with profound cultural significance and influence. She also warmly welcomed the guests to visit the Mazu temple in Beigang Township, Yunlin County, in the future.
During the luncheon, the two sides also exchanged views extensively on issues including Poland’s coal mining industry and energy transition, as well as sports exchanges. The luncheon lasted approximately 90 minutes and concluded successfully in a warm and cordial atmosphere, with both sides exchanging commemorative gifts and taking group photos. (2026/05/20)
