YOU Si-kun: Taiwan and diplomatic allies continue to deepen cooperation to let the whole world see the active power demonstrated by defending freedom and democratic values.
Accompanied by Legislators Lai Hui-yuan, Hsieh Yi-fong, Wu Hsin-ying, Chen Jiau-hua, Secretary General Lin Jih-jia, Consultant Chou Ya-shu, International Affairs Department Director Kevin C. F. Lin, Legislative Yuan President You Si-kun met the delegation of Formosa Club from the Latin American and Caribbean diplomatic allies on the afternoon of October 30.
In his welcome remarks, President You expressed his sincere welcome to the delegation on behalf of the Legislative Yuan. He stated that in April, he along with Legislators from the four party caucuses met with members of Formosa Club from Latin America and Caribbean diplomatic and friendly allies. During the meeting, both sides had active exchange to furthering mutual understanding. Therefore, it was especially delight to see the delegation.
President You stated that since its inception in 2020, Latin American and Caribbean Formosa Club chapters have been vocal in support of Taiwan in the international community, including our participation in WHO, ICAO, UNFCCC and other international organizations. In August, PARLACEN passed the resolution to expel Taiwan and include China, they condemn Central American Parliament through various ways to provide unwavering support to Taiwan. President You thanked their support and believed that those who are of good virtue will not be alone. Taiwan will continue to participate in and make contributions to the international community. He wanted to express his sincere appreciation to the delegation.
President You stated that in recent years, China continue to increase its oppression and intimidation against Taiwan diplomatically, politically, economically and militarily. The intensive circumnavigation of China’s warplanes crossing into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone or frequent military exercises surrounding Taiwan waters, imposing a severe threat to the peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In Latin American and Caribbean region, the Beijing government maliciously win over Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, continue to repress Taiwan’s diplomatic room. He stressed that the fact shows that China did not honor its commitment of financial aid to other countries. It’s investment harbors its political conspiracy to rob local resources. Unfortunately, numerous countries have fallen into debt trap after joining in Belt and Road Initiative.
President You stressed that Latin American and Caribbean diplomatic allies have always been an important force to support Taiwan. In particular, during the United Nations General Assembly in September this year, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Saint Christopher and Nevis and Belize spoke in support of Taiwan and sent a joint letter to UN Secretary General António Guterres in early October to support Taiwan with concrete actions. He stated that the people of Taiwan are grateful for their support.
President You concluded his remarks by saying that the pandemic over the past three years, exchanges between Taiwan and Latin America nd and Caribbean was disrupted. As the pandemic subsided, he hoped to see more multinational parliamentary exchanges to let the world see the active power of Taiwan and the Caribbean diplomatic allies in defending freedom and democracy.
Minister and concurrently senator Benarva Browne from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines stated that all delegation members were delighted to visit Taiwan and thanked for the warm hospitality they received. Taiwan and the Latin American and Caribbean region enjoy solid and deep friendship with Taiwan. The Latin American and Caribbean Formosa Club chapters will continue to give full support to Taiwan, to stand with Taiwan to unite both sides. In the future, they hoped to continue to deepen friendship. The partnership between Taiwan and Latin American and the Caribbean region had accomplished various cooperative projects and had made tremendous contributions to economic, social and overall development of many countries. On behalf of the government and people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, she expressed her gratitude to the government and people of Taiwan. She also conveyed the belated congratulations to Taiwan's national day. Her country had been supported and assisted by Taiwan for a long time to enjoy national development and progress. She believed that other countries in the region shared the same view with her. She fully agreed what President You mentioned that Taiwan and Latin American and the Caribbean countries should strengthen friendship and parliamentary diplomacy. She hoped that this visit was just the beginning for furthering bilateral relations. She concluded her remarks by thanking the government and people once again. She hoped that this visit would enhance their understanding about Taiwan’s political, economic developments and way of life.
President You responded by saying that since he took office more than three years ago, this was the first time for four women legislators from the four party caucuses to welcome foreign dignitaries. He said that probably it was because of the woman delegation head, party caucuses were all represented by women legislators to welcome the delegation. President You continued to state that Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan attaches great importance to gender equality. Women legislators account for 42% and men legislators 58%. He also stated that in 80 plus days, Taiwan is going to conduct presidential election. Three major political parties have presidential candidates. Despite the fierce competition, legislators of party caucuses get along with each other, a testament that Taiwan is a full-fledged democracy. President You added that he led a delegation to Belize in 2002 and met with then-Prime Minister Said W. Musa and founding father George Cable Price. He was very privileged to be able to meet them and was impressed by the meeting.
During bilateral meeting, President You, Legislators Lai Hui-yuan, Hsieh Yi-fong, Wu Hsin-ying, Chen Jiau-hua and the delegation exchanged views on issues related with cooperation to fight against authoritarianism defending democracy, freedom, supporting Taiwan’s international participation, climate change, sustainable development, Taiwan’s presidential election, Taiwan’s achievements in promoting gender equality, Taiwan’s high-tech industrial development, agricultural and irrigational cooperation, youth and educational exchanges, women empowerment, and women participation in politics, signing free trade agreement between Taiwan and Latin American and Caribbean countries, and hoping Taiwan to donate equipments to colleges.
Legislators of party caucuses stated that regardless of the change of Taiwan’s politics, friendship between Taiwan and Latin American and the Caribbean diplomatic allies will not be influenced. All delegation members expressed their appreciation, and reiterated their firm stance to support Taiwan’s participation in international. They once again thanked Taiwan for their longstanding assistance to the Lain American and Caribbean diplomatic allies in the fields of economics, trade, technology, agriculture, and infrastructure. Both sides were engaged in active discussion for one hour with an amicable atmosphere . The meeting concluded after mutual exchange of gifts and group photos. (E)