112.10.24. (國際處019)
游錫堃：立陶宛堅定支持台灣 凸顯民主國家應相互支持的重要性
YOU Si-kun: Lithuania’s Staunch Support to Taiwan, Demonstrating the Importance for Democracies of Mutual Support.
立法院游院長伉儷今(24)日上午9時偕立法院民進黨黨團總召柯建銘委員、國民黨總召曾銘宗委員、台灣民眾黨總召邱臣遠委員、時代力量黨團總召邱顯智委員、「立法院台灣與波羅的海三國國會議員友好協會」會長邱志偉委員、林志嘉秘書長、外交部吳釗燮部長、歐洲司姚金祥司長、駐立陶宛台灣代表處黃鈞耀大使等，在立法院大門口以紅地毯迎接立陶宛國會議長希米利特(Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen)訪問團蒞院訪問。除希米利特議長外，訪問團成員還包括議長辦公室主任裴夏卡斯 (Lukas Kornelijus Vaiciakas)、議長首席外交顧問卡辛斯卡大使(Rolandas Kačinskas)、國會國際關係處處長兼代禮賓處祝凱蒂處長(Snieguolė Žiūkaitė)及幕僚一行。希米利特議長首先應邀在立法院貴賓簿上留言簽名，繼在游院長伉儷等人陪同下步行前往議場，獲本處全體同仁在議場前兩側鼓掌熱烈歡迎，大批國內外媒體到場拍攝，歡迎儀式簡單隆重、場面溫馨。
Accompanied by Democratic Progressive Party Caucus Convener Ker Chien-ming, KMT Caucus Convener Tseng Ming-chung, Taiwan People’s Party Convener Chiu Chen-yuan, New Power Party Convener Chiu Hsien-chih, Taiwan-Baltic Countries Parliamentary Amity Association Chairman Chiu Chih-wei, Secretary General Lin Jih-jia, Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu, Director General Vincent Chin-Hsiang Yao of the Department of European Affairs, Ambassador Eric Huang of Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania, President YOU and Madame YOU welcome Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen and her delegation at the Legislative Yuan with red carpet at 9 a.m. on October 24. The delegation members included Head of the Secretariat of the Speaker of the Seimas Lukas Kornelijus Vaiciakas, Chief Foreign Policy Advisor to the Speaker of the Seimas Ambassador Rolandas Kačinskas, Ms. Snieguolė Žiūkaitė, Head of the International Relations Unit, Deputizing for the Head of Protocol Unit of the Seimas and staffers. Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen first of all signed on the Legislative Yuan VIP book. Accompanied by President YOU and Madame YOU, the delegation proceeded to the chamber and was warmly welcomed by the entire Legislative Yuan along the two sides of the chamber with warm rounds of applause. A huge crowd of media from home and abroad came to cover the story. The ceremony was simple, warm and solemn.
希米利特議長步入議場時，獲出席各黨團立委起立鼓掌表達誠摯歡迎。游院長首先致詞表示，今天是台灣歷史上重要的一天！因為我們最重要的民主同盟國之一，立陶宛共和國希米利特議長閣下及其率領的訪問團蒞臨立法院，請在場嘉賓以最熱烈的掌聲表達誠摯的歡迎！
As Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen entered the chambers, she was welcomed by the standing ovation of the legislators of all party caucus. President YOU first stated that today marked a significant and unforgettable occasion because Seimas Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen of the Republic of Lithuania, one of Taiwan’s most important democratic allies, and her delegation visited the Legislative Yuan. He asked the legislators to welcome the delegation with a warm round of applause.
游院長繼表示，立陶宛是一個民主量能充沛、經濟蓬勃發展的國家，跟台灣有著相似的民主發展歷程。過去，立陶宛儘管經歷過異族統治及威權壓迫，但是立陶宛的人民從來沒有放棄。1989年，他們向全世界示範了對民主的堅定追求，與愛沙尼亞及拉脫維亞人民手牽著手，組成了一條綿延675.5公里長的「波羅的海之路」，這個大規模的和平行動向全世界證明波海子民們爭取自由民主的決心與毅力，令人萬分敬佩，也為台灣及全球各地的許多民主鬥士們樹立了典範。
President YOU continued to state that Lithuania is a vibrant democracy with a thriving economy that has followed a similar path to development as Taiwan. Despite being ruled by foreign forces and repressed by an authoritarian regime, the people of Lithuania never gave up hope of becoming free and democratic. In 1989, they demonstrated their commitment to democracy by joining hands with the people of Estonia and Latvia to form the Baltic Way—a human chain 675.5 kilometers long. The peaceful mass demonstration showed the world their determination to attain freedom and democracy. The movement won widespread respect and became a model for democratic fighters in Taiwan and the rest of the world.
2021年，當新冠疫情肆虐全球，各國將疫苗視為珍貴戰略物資之際，立陶宛無俱於中國恫嚇，發揮人道關懷，是繼美國、日本後第三個、也是歐洲第一個對台灣雪中送炭的國家，這份濟弱扶危的珍貴友情令台灣全民銘感於心。尤其感動的是，立陶宛是與中國建有正式邦交關係國家中，第一個同意我國以台灣為名設立代表處的歐洲國家，意義重大。
At the height of the pandemic in 2021, when vaccines were a valuable strategic supply, Lithuania was the first European country to donate vaccines to Taiwan and the third in the world after the United States and Japan. This humanitarian spirit and demonstration of friendship was highly appreciated by the entire population of Taiwan. Although Lithuania maintains diplomatic relations with China, it was the first European country to allow us to use the word Taiwanese in the title of our representative office, which is profoundly significant.
游院長復表示，過去兩年來，台立雙邊基於互惠互利，持續深化各領域的交流合作，他要向希米利特議長閣下對台灣的堅定支持，再度表達誠摯的感謝。因為有閣下的高瞻遠矚，台立關係的發展才能夠持續向前開展，更上一層樓。
President YOU continue to state that based on the spirit of reciprocity and mutual interest, both sides have continued to deepen exchanges and cooperation in all domains over the past two years. I want to once again thank Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen for your staunch support of Taiwan. With your vision, our relationship will be further enhanced.
接著，在跨黨派立法委員及所有出席貴賓的見證下，游院長以中華民國台灣立法院院長身份，頒授希米利特議長閣下「國會一等榮譽獎章」一枚及證書乙份，表彰立陶宛國會支持台灣的巨大貢獻。希米利特議長閣下是台灣史上第一位獲頒榮譽獎章的波海三國議長，獲全體與會嘉賓起立鼓掌。在領受獎章後，希米利特議長也回贈游院長紀念品一份。
At the witness of legislators of party caucuses and all distinguished guests, on behalf of the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan), President YOU conferred the First-Class Medal of Honor for Parliamentary Diplomacy of the Legislative Yuan to Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen in recognition of her tremendous contributions to supporting Taiwan. Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen is the first parliamentary speaker from the Baltic countries to receive such an award. The entire participating guests gave her a standing ovation. In return, the Honorable Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen gave a gift to President YOU.
游院長接下來為希米利特議長即將發表演說引言表示，希米利特議長閣下是一位充滿領袖魅力、才智雙全的女性政治家，也是棋藝超群的西洋棋大師，她曾獲得女子西洋棋歐洲冠軍，並擁有西洋棋「特級大師、的頭銜。議長閣下在立陶宛政壇具有超凡的領袖魅力，2020年，立陶宛國會議員改選時，擔任「自由運動黨」主席的她，成功帶領該黨贏得13個席次，並順利組成執政聯盟。其後，希米利特議長閣下更獲跨黨派支持，高票當選立陶宛國會史上第三位女性議長。她擔任議長以來，充分發揮剛柔並濟、言出必行的領袖特質，致力推動國會透明化。記得本院舉辦「2021開放國會論壇」時，希米利特議長閣下跟與會者分享了立陶宛國會的作法，成為全世界最開放、透明的國會之一，令人耳目一新、印象深刻。
President YOU then delivered her introduction to Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen before she delivered her remarks. He said that she was a charismatic, intelligent female political leader. Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen is a remarkable politician and chess player. She is a grandmaster and a European women’s champion. With exceptional leadership and charisma, she successfully guided the Liberals’ Movement Party as its chair to win 13 seats in the Seimas and form a ruling coalition. She then won cross-party support to be elected as speaker, making her the third woman speaker in the history of Lithuania. Since taking office, Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen has demonstrated flexibility and resilience and has proven to be someone who keeps her promises. She has devoted herself to promoting parliamentary transparency. I still recall vividly when the Legislative Yuan hosted the Open Parliament Forum in 2021, Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen shared how the Lithuanian Seimas had become one of the most open and transparent parliaments in the world.
游院長補充表示，希米利特議長閣下曾說：「立陶宛與台灣的關係不能單以金錢來衡量」，並大力支持立陶宛與台灣發展可長可久的友好關係。在經常以金錢利益作為衡量標準的國際社會中，議長閣下不畏強權威脅，展現高尚的情操，凸顯她對於自由民主普世價值的堅持。游院長代表中華民國台灣立法院，向議長閣下的堅定不移作為及激濁揚清的風範，致上崇高的敬意。希米利特議長閣下接下來將以「跨越國界：民主合作的活力」(Beyond Borders: Vitality of Democratic Cooperation) 為題，分享她對於民主與自由的獨到見解， 希米利特議長不但是首位訪問台灣的立陶宛議長，也是台灣史上第一位在立法院議場發表演說的波海三國議長，意義非凡。
Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen once said that the relations between Lithuania and Taiwan cannot be simply measured by economic interests. She strongly supports substantive ties between our countries. The international community usually prioritizes economic interests. But Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen is undaunted by the threat of big power, demonstrating a noble character. On behalf of the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I want to express my utmost respect for Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen’s perseverance and integrity. Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen is going to share her insights into democracy and freedom in her keynote speech entitled “Beyond Borders: Vitality of Democratic Cooperation.” She is the first Seimas speaker to visit Taiwan and also the first speaker from the Baltic countries to address the Legislative Yuan chamber.
希米利特議長向在場貴賓致意後上台發表演說，她首先表示，本人在此證明，台立雙方團結一致並追求共同的理念，同時重申捍衛引導立台兩國的基本原則。此次應台灣國會邀請，現在身處民主蓬勃發展的民主國家，讓她深深感受到立法院的重要角色。在此火花四射的辯論迴腸盪氣，重要決策也在此一鎚定音，台灣人民不同的聲音也在此表達，決定國家的命運。立法院不僅在台灣扮演重要的角色，同時也是民主治理國家的燈塔。
Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen stated that she had great honor and deep gratitude that she stood before all in the temple of democracy and representation of the people. The she started her remarks. First of all, she stated that her presence was a testament to the bonds that united us in the pursuit of shared democratic ideals and a reaffirmation of our strong commitment to the principles that guide our nations. At a guest in the Parliament of Taiwan, at this vibrant democracy, I recognize the profound role of this institution. It is here, among the echoes of vigorous debates and significant decisions, that the collective voice of the people of Taiwan is heard, determining the destiny of the nation. Apart from playing a pivotal role for Taiwan, this Parliament also stands as a beacon to all who cherish democratic governance.
希米利特議長續表示，當民主機構的韌性與價值遭遇挑戰時，一個國家的國力不侷限於其經濟影響力或領土大小，而是其蓬勃發展的民主精神。台灣與立陶宛有著共同信念，人民可以決定自己的命運。台立雙方有共同的目標，要維護選民託付給我們的民主原則。透過這樣的追求，就可以發現儘管立台兩國相距遙遠，卻有共同的立場。希米利特議長強調，立陶宛傳達了強烈的訊息，透過往昔慘痛卻英勇的歷史不斷強化自己，立國雖曾遭鎮壓和占領，但仍堅毅的重獲獨立和自由，每次都成功恢復國家的地位。這些歷史過往，更堅定我們對自由、民主和維護國際法的信念，這三項價值緊密連結，在愈來愈不確定的世界中，這些價值更是至關重要。面對愈來愈混沌不明的世界，全球民主國家間的強健關係比過去來得更重要，她深信共享價值可拉進全世界最遠的距離，讓人民緊密相連。
She continued to state that at the time when the resilience and the very value of democratic institutions are put to the test, my presence here send a message reaffirming that a nation’s strength derives not only from its economic clout or geographical expanse, but also from its vibrant spirit. Both Taiwan and Lithuania are guided by the belief that people are the creators of their own destiny. We share a goal of preserving the principles of democracy entrusted to us, and through this quest we discover our common ground that transcends geographical distances. She stressed that The message sent by Lithuania derives from our painful and heroic past. Our country suffered oppression and occupations, but has resolutely regained its independence and freedom by restoring statehood each time. This historic path strengthens our unwavering commitment to freedom,democracy and international law. Those three values are closely interconnected and are crucial in a world which, unfortunately, is increasingly defined by uncertainty. Against the backdrop of growing confusion, strong relations between the world’s democracies are more important than ever before. I truly believe that shared values can bridge the longest geographical distances and bring people together.
希米利特議長接著指出，致力於捍衛這些價值，不只影響我們的戰略決策，也會帶來立陶宛與歐盟堅不可摧的夥伴關係。她表示，立陶宛期待也將驕傲地迎接明年歡慶立陶宛加入歐盟20週年的紀念日。立陶宛雖然在歐盟整合早期階段，因為二戰後遭遇占領而無法加入，但在獨立後立刻加入歐盟。透過政策作為和積極的貢獻，立陶宛努力確保得到歐盟強力的支持。各會員國堅持歐盟核心基本原則，尤其是自由、民主、人權與法治。希米利特議長尤其樂見這種立場在歐盟處理與台灣關係上益發鮮明，特別是歐洲議會不斷呼籲歐盟及其他理念相近國家，在與台灣合作上應扮演更積極的角色。歐洲議會通過的決議文強調，歐盟與台灣在各階層發展夥伴及合作關係的重要性，並認為台灣不僅是夥伴，更是歐盟在印太區域中的重要民主盟友。台灣堅實的民主、科技進步的經濟，不僅能對抗強權逐漸升高的壓力，更可為以規則為基礎的國際秩序帶來積極貢獻。
She continued to point out that the commitment to those values, has not only shaped our strategic choices, but also created an unbreakable bond with the European Union. Lithuania looks forward with anticipation and pride to next year, when Lithuania will celebrate the 20th anniversary of EU membership. Deprived of the right to participate in the early stages of the EU unification process by the post-World War II occupation, Lithuania has enthusiastically embraced it as soon as the country joined the EU. Through our policies and active contribution, we strive to ensure that the EU strongly supports its Member States in upholding the fundamental principles that are at the core of European Union, in particular, freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen was pleased to note that this attitude is becoming more and more pronounced in the European Union’s approach to relations with Taiwan as well. This is particularly true in respect to the European Parliament, which is consequent in calling on the Union and its Member States to play an increasingly active role in cooperation with like-minded partners. The resolutions of the European Parliament highlight that we consider Taiwan not only an important partner, but also a democratic ally of the European Union in the Indo-Pacific Region. Taiwan’s strong democracy and technologically advanced economy can actively contribute to the maintenance of a rule-based order in the face of growing pressure from major powers. The resolutions of the European Parliament also highlight the importance of developing partnership and cooperation at all levels between the EU and Taiwan.
希米利特議長強調，立陶宛不只坐而言更起而行，並採取具體務實的步驟支持此一政策。立陶宛與台灣的雙邊關係在2021年進入新的里程碑。台灣代表處在維爾紐斯正式成立，立陶宛駐台代表處也在台北成立，希望未來雙邊持續深化經濟、文化、科學、政治及民間交流。有人說，今日立陶宛與台灣的合作是世界各國的試金石，尤其對歐盟而言亦然。許多歐盟會員國很想看看台立之間有何具體經貿投資成果，再決定他們的下一步，因為台立合作應該成為諸多國家起而效尤的成功故事，台立雙方要一起展現民主國家間合作的正確性。
Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen stressed that Lithuania fully subscribes to this imperative not only by words, but also by taking concrete, tangible steps in that direction. The year 2021 marked a new stage in our bilateral relations with Taiwan. The establishment of the Taiwanese Representative Office in Vilnius and the setting up of the Lithuanian Trade Representation Office in Taipei are designed to invigorate our bilateral economic, scientific, cultural, political and people-to-people exchanges. One could say that today cooperation between Taiwan and Lithuania is a litmus test to many countries worldwide in general and to the EU in particular. A number of other EU Member States are eager to see the specific economic and investment results achieved and it could determine further steps of other EU Member States accordingly. This is why the partnership between Lithuania and Taiwan must become a success story for many more to follow. Together, we must show that collaboration between democracies is both right and mutually beneficial.
希米利特議長續稱，無論捐贈新冠疫苗、打造新的經貿關係、促進文化交流或教育合作，都有助於民主國家面對迫在眉睫的全球挑戰，其中促進經貿關係尤為重要。所以，此次到台灣訪問的代表團中有許多企業界的成員，期盼尋找資訊科技及合作創新的機會。立陶宛近年聚焦科技和創新產業，期許自已成為全球高附加價值經濟體之一，立陶宛在雷射產業方面已是佼佼者，同時在生命科學、網路安全、金融科技、再生能源等他方面也表現亮眼。企業與政府的永續合作，建立在高科技合作健全的基礎上，歐洲單一市場的會員及其他特點是立陶宛成為一個卓越夥伴的原因。立陶宛已作好準備，要與台灣與其他印太區域利益相關者合作。大家都希望在歐洲和其他各地發展高科技產業。立台關係在更廣泛範疇上的合作也相當重要，從立陶宛角度來看，我們聚焦科技，幫助我們落實「歐洲綠色新政」，致力推動國際永續發展與綠色轉型。
She continued to state that Be it support with Covid-19 vaccines, new business relations, cultural exchanges, or cooperation in education, all of these endeavors must help democracies build bridges at a time of immense global challenges. With this in mind, fostering our economic ties is particularly important. It is therefore no coincidence that during my visit to Taiwan I am joined by a large Lithuanian business delegation looking for opportunities to cooperate in information technology and innovation. The focus on technology and innovation is a proof of Lithuania’s aim to position itself among the world’s high value-added economies. Already a leader in lasers, Lithuania is also advancing in life sciences, cybersecurity, financial technologies, renewable energy, engineering and the automotive industry. Sustainable cooperation between business and government, focus on high technologies, well-developed infrastructure, membership in the EU Single Market and other characteristics make Lithuania an excellent partner standing ready to cooperate with Taiwan and other stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific region, that are interested in developing high-tech businesses in Europe and beyond. The relations between Lithuania and Taiwan are also important in the broader context. As seen from the Lithuanian perspective, our country’s focus on technology will help us implement the European Green Deal and follow through on our international commitments on sustainable development and green transformation.
希米利特議長復表示，聚焦於全球氣候變遷和處理公衛危機都需要國際合作，只有合作才能有效面對這些全球挑戰。巧合的是，這些責任都落在民主國家的肩膀上。她表示，若要面對未來諸多挑戰，為人民打造更好的未來，就要保證要有一個遵守國際法及互助合作的世界秩序，當各國遵守國際法時，他們就會打造一個穩定可預測的環境，來促進經濟合作的努力，這是未來面對全球經濟挑戰的不二法門。但是，而今天國際法已遭受威脅，許多既存標準和規則遭到藐視，侵略的行徑和違反國家主權及領土完整的作法卻被習以為常，這些都正在威脅全球體制的穩定和安全，也傷害了解決挑戰的能力。欲解決這些問題，要透過合作與外交，而非武力與脅迫，這應該是現代國際關係所要強調的，在歐洲地區更是如此。烏克蘭的未來是國際關係走向的重要指標，更具體而言，未來有賴於國際社會如何回應俄羅斯對完全未作出任何挑釁行為的主權國家所引出的戰火。俄羅斯入侵烏克蘭不僅違反領土完整，進行地緣攻治利益的擴張，此舉挑戰了建構社會的基本價值，攸關人民有權選擇自己生活在自由民主社會的權利；此舉攸關法治、人權和人類尊嚴。因此我們必須採取行動，支持烏克蘭和其他各地的自由、法治及人權，要為自己的行為及失敗來負責。
Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen continued to point out that Focusing on global issues such as climate change and tackling global health crises is a fair approach to international cooperation. Only by working together can we hope to meet these global challenges effectively. Incidentally, these concerns seem to weigh most heavily on democracies. If we are to meet the many forthcoming challenges and build a better future for our people, we must ensure a world order based on international law, mutual respect and cooperation. When states uphold international law, they create a stable and predictable environment in which cooperation and concerted action can flourish. This is the only way to meet the forthcoming global challenges.However, international law is under threat today. We see how the established standards and rules are being flouted, and efforts are made to normalize aggressive behavior and violations of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. This threatens the stability and security of the global system and undermines our ability to address the challenges we face. Cooperation and diplomacy, rather than the use of force and coercion, must underpin international relations in the modern world at large, and in this region in particular. The future of Ukraine will be a key indicator of the direction in which international relations will be headed. More specifically, the future will depend on the international community’s response to the unprovoked war launched by Russia against a sovereign state. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is not only about violation of territorial integrity or expansion of geopolitical interests. It is about challenging the fundamental values on which our societies are based. It is about the right of people to choose their own future and to live in a free and democratic society. It is about the rule of law, human rights and the dignity of every human being. Therefore, we must take action to support freedom in Ukraine and beyond. We must uphold the rule of law and human rights, and we must take responsibility for our actions and omissions.
希米利特議長表示，請容她再回到國會的角色。身為民意代表，可提供對話與辯論，面對威脅世界的主要全球挑戰，應該和其他公部門、國際組織、公民社會及私部門攜手合作；國會可幫忙凝聚共識，制定政策，用全面和協調的方式來解決這些挑戰。換言之，在此艱困的時刻，無論國會、個人或是領袖，都不應袖手旁觀，不管國際共同面臨的重要議題。相較之下，身為國會議員，我們更要積極的制定政策，面對現在和未來的挑戰。
Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen stated that let us come back to the role of the parliaments. The promotion and protection of democracy and international law is the primary responsibility of states and international institutions that prioritize these objectives. By default, democratic parliaments are equally not only in charge of safeguarding democracy and international law, but also bear the brunt of responsibility for meeting other challenges that arise in the process of promotion and protection of democracy and international law. As representatives of the people, parliaments can provide a forum for dialogue and debate on the major global challenges threatening our world today. In partnership with other public institutions, international organizations, civil society and the private sector, parliaments can help build consensus and develop policies to address these challenges in a comprehensive and coordinated way. In other words, at a challenging time, neither parliaments as institutions, nor their individual members, let alone their leaders, can afford the luxury of standing aside from issues important for international coexistence. On the contrary, we, as parliamentarians must take an active role in the development of policies to meet the current and future challenges.
希米利特議長強調，台灣國會充滿立陶宛的友人，以及理念相近夥伴，一起準備好要一起行動。她深受鼓舞，台灣人民對鳥克蘭人民非常重要。因此她要特別感謝，肯定台立雙方合作重建烏克蘭的各項努力。第一個合作計畫已經動工，在烏克蘭小鎮伊爾平（Irpin），幼童已可以回到幼稚園上課。該幼稚園是透過立陶宛與台灣共同出資所完成的。上次她赴基輔訪問時，這家幼稚園仍處於嚴重破壞的狀態，我有機會親自走訪該幼稚園，當時她還很難想像，孩童能夠在短短一年內重返校園。因此，對她來說，這間起死回生的幼稚園，象徵民主國家齊心合力就可以達成的目標。議長復強調，重建烏克蘭的共同努力要永續且實質，根據世界銀行的估計，重建烏克蘭約需要四千億歐元。但只要戰爭持續進行，這個數字就會不斷地往上攀升。因此要減緩此負擔，減輕烏克蘭人民苦痛和悲劇的最好方式，就是俄羅斯立即停止戰爭，從占領區撤軍，這是全球民主國家應有的共同目標。
Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen underscored that she was encouraged by the knowledge that here, in the Parliament of Taiwan, one is surrounded by friends and like-minded people ready to act together. The support of the people of Taiwan to the people of Ukraine who are fighting for their freedom and their future is paramount. I therefore commend the cooperation between Taiwan and Lithuania in the reconstruction effort in Ukraine. The first project has already been implemented. In Irpin, a town in Ukraine, kids have come back to the kindergarten reconstructed through joint funding of Taiwan and Lithuania. During one of my recent visits to Kyiv, when this kindergarten was still badly damaged, I had the opportunity to visit the site in person. At the time of my visit, it seemed impossible to believe that kids would be returning back to that particular place in a little over a year. Therefore, to me, this revitalized kindergarten is the best example of what democracies can do when they work together. She continued to stress that Our joint efforts to rebuild Ukraine will have to be sustainable and substantial. The World Bank estimates that around €400 billion may be needed to reconstruct Ukraine, but each day of the war raises that bill. The best way to ease this burden, but also, and more importantly the burden of daily suffering and tragedy bestowed upon the people of Ukraine would be for Russia to end the war immediately and withdraw from the occupied territories. This is what all the democracies globally should aim for.
希米利特議長最後讚賞台灣國會的各位委員，有著共享的信念，作為各自地區的民主燈塔，為我們的人民點亮更光明的未來。她祝願台立關係展現民主國家間一起行動的潛力。透過夥伴關係，互相尊重，面對這世代的挑戰，建立充滿力量、韌性和進步的傳奇。也祝願共享這樣的緊密關係，成為深具民主活力及啟發意義的最佳例證。議長演說結束時，獲得現場委員及全體貴賓起立熱烈掌聲。
Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen in conclusion recognized the efforts of all legislators of Taiwan’s congress for sharing the same belief. She hoped that as beacons of democracy in our respective regions, together we can light the way to a brighter and safer future for our people. She wished the relations between Taiwan and Lithuania serve as a proof of the potential emerging from joint action of democracies. Through partnership and mutual respect, we will meet the challenges of our time and build a legacy of strength, resilience and progress. May the bond that two countries share continue to be an inspiring example of the vitality of democratic cooperation. After her speech, all legislators and esteemed guests gave her a standing ovation.
游院長在聆聽完希米利特議長的演說後表示，議長一席話彰顯出她宏觀的政治智慧與非凡的遠見，精闢地點出了民主國家應警覺威權擴張主義的絕對不可信賴，而在威權體制持續鯨吞蠶食全球民主社會之際，民主國家之間更應該相互扶持，彼此守護，為普世價值奮鬥不懈。立陶宛以小搏大對抗強權、支持台灣、支持烏克蘭所展現出的無比勇氣與決心，令人敬佩！台灣一定會持續與立陶宛及烏克蘭站在同一陣線、與世界各地愛好民主自由的盟友們站再一起，共同對抗任何危及民主自由、威脅區域和平穩定的險惡勢力。
After President YOU listened to her speech, he concluded that he wants to thank the Hon. Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, for her inspiring speech. Her remarks reveal her political wisdom as well as her keen vision. She reminds us that democracies should be alert to the treacherous expansion of autocracy. As authoritarianism continues to encroach on global democratic society, democracies should render each other staunch support to safeguard and fight for universal values. He greatly admired Lithuania’s courage and determination in fighting against big powers to support Taiwan and Ukraine. Taiwan will continue to stand with Lithuania, Ukraine, and its other democracy- and freedom-loving allies around the world to oppose the malicious forces that would undermine democracy, freedom, and regional peace and stability.
游院長強調，在這關鍵的時刻，讓我們心手相連，為更美好光明的未來共同努力。他再次感謝希米利特議長閣下的蒞臨，也祝福議長此次訪台圓滿順利。希米利特議長於受贈國會榮譽獎章及發表演說後，出席各黨派委員踴躍在議場內與議長合影留念，氣氛友好熱絡，議長深受感動。最後，院長伉儷偕全體出席委員及各界貴賓與議長及訪團成員在議場階梯前大合影，為今日活動劃下圓滿句點。議長訪團一行本次蒞院行程歷約一小時二十分圓滿結束，隨後搭車離開本院。
President thus emphasized, at this crucial juncture, let us work hand in hand to fight for a better future. He wanted to thank Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen once again for her presence. He hoped she and her delegation have a fruitful visit in Taiwan.Afterwords, Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen was surrounded by cross-party legislators for selfies. Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen was overwhelmed by their warm welcome and cordial friendship. Lastly, President You, Madame YOU along with all participating legislators, distinguished guests, Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen and her delegation had a big group photo in front of the chamber. The visit took about 80 minutes as Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen and the delegation left the Legislative Yuan.
