On February 26, 2024, on behalf of President Daniel K.Y. Han, Secretary-General Chou Chester W.L. of the Legislative Yuan attended at 10 a.m. the inauguration of Taiwan-African Countries Parliamentary Friendship Association, convened by Legislator Chiu Chih-wei. Also in attendance were Legislators Hsu Chih-chieh, Lin Chu-yin, and Chung Chia-pin; Vice Foreign Minister Remus Chen Li-kuo; H.E. Ambassador Promise Sithembiso Msibi of the Kingdom of Eswatini; Chief Representative Mohamed Hagi of the Republic of Somaliland; officials of Liaison Office of South Africa and Nigeria Trade Office in Taiwan.

The inauguration commenced with a remark from Convener Chiu, followed by an address by Secretary-General Chou, who pointed out that the Legislative Yuan has always attached great importance to international cooperation and exchanges. He himself led a delegation in 2008 to Eswatini (then known as Swaziland) and Cape Town, South Africa. Although Taiwan and Africa are thousands of miles apart, Taiwanese diplomats based in Cape Town at that time put in great efforts on facilitating exchanges between members of Parliament of Taiwan and those of African countries. Chou referred to the diplomatic relations established between Taiwan and Eswatini as early as in 1968, while Taiwan and Somaliland have also set up representative offices in each other’s territory for four years. Secretary-General Chou pointed out that through the efforts of legislators for building legislative diplomacy, Taiwan’s bilateral relations with African countries will continue to deepen in substantial ways. Chou further stressed that Convener Chiu has been devoted to forming Taiwan-African Countries Parliamentary Friendship Association since 2016 and working nonstop. For this, Chou extended his gratitude to Chiu’s dedication in boosting Taiwan’s ties with African countries, as the driving force for more comprehensive legislative diplomacy can be embodied through this Association, which could make Taiwan more visible on the world stage while receiving more support. Should there be any administrative support required, the Legislative Yuan will spare no effort to assist. In closing, Secretary-General Chou wished good health and great fortune to the legislators and guests present, as well as smooth operation of the Association.

Later on, remarks were given by Vice Foreign Minister Chen, Ambassador Msibi, and Chief Representative Hagi. The event concluded with a group photo in warmth and joy after 50 minutes, with the organizational charter of the Association passed and its president and vice presidents elected.