YOU Si-kun: Through this agreement, Taiwan and the Czech Republic demonstrate solidarity and cooperation between democracies

Accompanied by Legislative Yuan Secretary General Lin Jih-jia and Secretariat Director Kung Ping-chieh, Legislative Yuan President You Si-kun signed a statement affirming parliamentary friendship between the Republic of China (Taiwan) Legislative Yuan and the Czech Chamber of Deputies at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 9 a.m. on March 29. Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of European Affairs Vincent Chin-hsiang Yao, Czech Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei Representative David Steinke, as well as National Development Council Minister Kung Ming-hsin were at present. 

President You started the event by expressing his appreciation to Speaker Adamová for accepting the invitation of the Legislative Yuan to visit Taiwan at the head of the largest delegation in history. He said that the group’s composition reflected the entire country.

President You continued by saying he admired Speaker Adamová’s having kept her promise. Before visiting Taiwan, the Chinese Communist Party launched a strong protest against this visit, but the Speaker kept her promise to visit Taiwan. She demonstrated the spirit of Czech Republic, namely, independence, autonomy, and not being afraid of major powers Engagement and cooperation between democratic countries are based on the foundation of shared values, mutual trust, freedom, and inclusiveness. Only sincere cooperation and exchanges can create a promising future for both sides.

President You went on to explain that the Legislative Yuan and the Chamber of Deputies had decided to sign this statement because a nation’s parliament is symbolic of that nation and its people, and it demonstrates solidarity and mutual assistance between free and democratic countries. The world democratic landscape continues to shrink. The consensus reached between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin earlier in the year to promote changes not seen in a century represents a major challenge to the international order. As such, the signing of the statement is a concrete step toward fighting this axis of evil. 

President You stressed that he hoped that the exchange platform thus established between the two parliaments would lead to closer exchanges and encourage parliamentary openness and transparency. This, in turn, could lead to better professional support being lent to members of parliament and increase mutual understanding. 

President You concluded his remarks by expressing his delight to see the fruitful results of the trip. Eleven MOUs on cooperation and one statement were signed on subjects ranging from culture, biotechnology, and high-tech industries, further strengthening the diverse partnership between the two democracies. He wished the two countries everlasting friendship and national prosperity. He also wished the delegation a safe trip home.