On February 26, 2024, on behalf of President Daniel K.Y. Han, Secretary-General Chou Chester W.L. of the Legislative Yuan attended at 11 a.m. the inauguration of Taiwan-Central and South American and Caribbean Countries Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, convened by Legislator Chiu Chih-wei. Also in attendance were Legislators Hsu Chih-chieh; Vice Foreign Minister Remus Chen Li-kuo; H.E. Ambassadors  Andrea Bowman of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Candice Pitts of Belize, Carlos Jose Fleitas Rodriguez of Paraguay, Donya Lynex Francis of Saint Christopher and Nevis, and Oscar Adolfo Padilla Lam of Guatemala; Minister Counselor Francilien Victorin of the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti; Second Secretary Rovin Clevel Fevrier of the Embassy of St. Lucia.

Convener Chiu commenced the inauguration with a group photo with the distinguished guests present, followed by an opening remark on the expectations for deepening Taiwan’s relations with our diplomatic allies in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Convener Chiu also expressed his gratitude to these countries for their long-term friendship and firm support for Taiwan’s international participation. Later on, Secretary-General Chou touched on the close ties between Caribbean countries and Taiwan. Among the countries with which Taiwan has formal diplomatic relations, 7 are located in Central and South America and the Caribbean. This shows that despite the vast Pacific Ocean that lies between Taiwan and Central and South America and the Caribbean, there have always been a long-term and firm friendship and shared beliefs and values. For instance, the Formosa Club, established by Congress members in Latin America and the Caribbean, has for several times, through public statements and joint declarations, supported Taiwan’s participation in international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). These are all examples of the members of the Formosa Club showing strong support as allies. Secretary-General Chou also extended his gratitude to Convener Chiu for his efforts in forming this Alliance and to over 30 legislators for signing the petition to make the Alliance possible. It is believed that the Alliance can serve as a platform to collect public opinion. With continued exchanges and partnerships between members of Parliament, all parties involved can contribute to the deepening of bilateral relations between Taiwan and its allied countries. In closing, Secretary-General Chou wished good health and great fortune to the legislators and guests present, as well as a success to the inauguration.

Later on, remarks were given by Vice Foreign Minister Chen, Ambassadors Bowman, Pitts, Rodriguez, Francis, Padilla Lam, and Minister Counselor Victorin. The event concluded in warmth and joy after 1 hour and 15 minutes, with the organizational charter of the Alliance passed and its president and vice presidents elected.