The Legislative Yuan
Press Release
September 7, 2022
Legislative Yuan President You Si-kun visited the Lycée International Français de Taipei
You Si-kun: Gratitude to Senator Cadic for expanding Taiwan-France relations
President You Si-kun visited the Lycée International Français de Taipei (LIFT) this morning. Distinguished guests present at the event included school founder Alexandre Levy; Principal Thomas Chaumont; Cécile Renault from the French Office in Taipei; Aurélie Jobert, in charge of educational cooperation at the French Office in Taipei; Chen Yi-cong, Secretary General at the Taipei City Department of Eucation; and Emily Mann, Principal at Taipei Municipal Liu Gong Junior High School.President You stated on his arrival that Senator Olivier Cadic is Secretary of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Armed Forces. He is a long-term supporter and good friend of Taiwan. He is also concurrently chairman of the Agency for French Education Abroad and has devoted himself to promoting overseas French education. The founding and operation of LIFT has strengthened educational cooperation between Taiwan and France and this is thanks in no small part to the efforts of Senator Cadic. It is worth noting that LIFT is Taiwan’s first French school. This semester started August 29. Children from French-speaking families in Taiwan can receive French education in Taipei, while Taiwan’s children now have a new choice for their education. It is hoped that the next generation will be given a broader international perspective through trilingual education. It is worth noting that presently, of the five official languages used by G7 countries, four of them are taught at schools in Taiwan. It is hoped that this will be helpful for attracting more French businesses to Taiwan.
President You then visited the classrorom and cafeteria to learn more about student meals. He also listened to a briefing by Founder Levy and Principal Chaumont. In President You’s remarks, he expressed his great delight with Taipei Municipal Liu Gong Junior High School. He mentioned that France, being a major power, is one of the five permanent members of the United Nations. More importantly, France has made tremendous contributions to global universal values. For example, Voltaire once said: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” In addition, Montesquieu’s separation of powers and Rousseau’s social contract theory have influenced not just Taiwan but also many other countries. Therefore, he was delighted to learn about the founding of this school.
President You continued by noting that Taiwan-EU relations have made great strides, in particular Taiwan-France relations. For example, President You met with Senator Cadic when he visited Taiwan last year. During his visit to France this summer, President You met Senator Cadic twice. The Senator is a very strong friend of Taiwan. Because of his work in the French Senate to expand ties with Taiwan, Taiwan does not feel alone.
President You concluded by saying that he visited the school as a way of expressing gratittude to Senator Cadic and to offer congratuations on the founding of the school. After both sides exhanged gifts and stood for group photos, President You left the school around 12 p.m. after wishing everyone a Happy Mid-Autum Festival.
