President Han: “Taiwan-Kosovo friendship continues to grow from strength to strength. I thank Kosovo’s warm comfort about Hualien earthquake.” 

At 3 p.m. on April 18, President Han met with four-member cross-party parliamentary delegation from Kosovo. In attendance were Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang, Legislator Chen Kuan-ting, who is also the chairman of Taiwan-the Balkans Nine Countries Parliamentary Friendship Association, Legislator Huang Jen, Legislator Lin Yi-chun, Director Kevin C.F. Lin of Department of International Affairs, Deputy Foreign Minister Kelly Wu-Chiao Hsieh, Deputy Director-General of the Department of European Affairs Jared Lin, Vice Counselor of Taipei Representative Office in Budapest in Hungary.
  
After taking group photos with attending legislators and delegation members, President Han delivered his remarks to extend a sincere welcome to the cross-party parliamentary delegation to the Legislative Yuan. In March 2023, former Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti led a delegation to the Legislative Yuan and was warmly welcomed. Kosovo marked the first Balkan country to express care and comfort after Hualien earthquake on April 3, 2024. President Han expressed his gratitude to the Republic of Kosovo for that. 

President Han continued to state that Pristina Mayor Perparim Rama visited Taiwan in March this year to ink a sisterhood agreement with the city of Kaohsiung. He believed that the people of two cities are pleased to see this agreement. He extended his gratitude for that. He pointed out that Taiwan has followed very closely on the strife of Kosovo over the past 30 plus years. Since it declared independence in 2008, Taiwan marked the first Asian country to officially recognize the Republic of Kosovo, demonstrating the recognition of 23 million people of Taiwan of Kosovo’s determination and perseverance to pursue democracy and freedom. He hoped that the people of Kosovo understand the warm and sincere friendship of the people of Taiwan. President Han underscored that the Legislative Yuan welcomed the cross-party parliamentary delegation from Kosovo with cross-party legislators, fully demonstrating the similarities between the two parliaments. Members of parliament may have disagreement on different political issues at home, but they are united in terms of foreign policy. He hoped to deepen exchanges by increasing mutual visits between the two parliaments in the future. 

On behalf of the delegation, Mr. Artan Abrashi, Cochair of the Kosovo-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group showed his respect to Taiwan for its longtime efforts in promoting regional peace and stability. The cordial relations continue to deepen over the years. As the defender of democracy and human rights, Taiwan is the beacon of hope for the world to pursue progress and prosperity. Since its establishment in 2008, Kosovo is still exploring the model of development. Taiwan is the source of inspiration for them to pursue progress. He continued to point out that the majority of the members of parliament of Kosovo hope to deepen relations with Taiwan to face challenges, to pursue prosperity and progress to promote the welfare for our two peoples. 

Vice President Chiang stated that he believed that Taiwan and Kosovo are writing history, in particular parliamentary diplomacy. Many years ago, both countries promoted cooperation and exchanges through parliamentary friendship groups. This visit had profound significance. It represented not only government to government but also parliamentary cooperation. Therefore, he wanted to welcome the delegation once again. He hoped that there would be more close exchanges to learn from each other in the future. 

Legislator Chen Kuan-ting stated that Taiwan and Kosovo face the challenged caused by the expansion of authoritarianism, but he believed that through deepening cooperation, both countries will have a better future. Legislator Huan Jen stated that there are 16 indigenous tribes. Just like Kosovo, Taiwan has diversified culture to embrace inclusiveness and harmony at home while expand international exchanges abroad. He hoped the delegation members will continue to promote exchanges with Taiwan in the future. Legislator Lin Yi-chun pointed out that Taiwan shares similar situation in the international community with Kosovo. Both countries are actively striving for international participation and recognition. Currently, Kosovo is recognized by 98 countries. In this regard, Taiwan needs to learn from Kosovo. She concluded her remarks by showing gratitude to the delegation on behalf of Hualien fellow citizens for the care and comfort expressed by the delegation. 

Dr. Avdullah Hoti stated that this marked his third visit to Taiwan. Every time he visited Taiwan, he was always impressed by its democratization, democratic development or the operation of the government. He welcomed the flourishing relations between Taiwan and Kosovo. For example, Pristina and Kaohsiung signed the sisterhood agreement last month. In addition, There are students from Kosovo studying in Taiwan. He hoped that the number will continue to increase in the future. He also stressed that there were business representatives in the delegation, although not a big scale, he believed that in the future the number will continue to increase. He welcomed Taiwan’s businesses to invest in Kosovo to deepen bilateral economic and trade relations. 

Ms. Time Kadrijaj spoke in Albanian that this marked her first visit to Taiwan. She was impressed to learn that the woman legislators account for more than 40% in the legislature. Not only Kosovo but many other countries in the world need to learn from Taiwan in this regard. She said that during her first two days in Taiwan, she already felt the passion and warmth of the people of Taiwan. This would not be the last of her visit to Taiwan. Mr. Driton Selmanaj expressed his delight to visit Taiwan again. Taiwan is an important partner for Kosovo to learn and to share about development experiences. Both countries should deepen cooperation to enjoy mutual benefit and interest and also to face challenges together to enhance the well-being of the two peoples. 

The meeting was concluded after 30 minutes in an amicable and friendly atmosphere after exchange of gifts. (E)


Delegate List:
Hon. Avdullah HOTI, Member of Parliament of Kosovo
Hon. Artan ABRASHI, Member of Parliament of Kosovo
Hon. Time KADRIJAJ, Member of Parliament of Kosovo
Hon. Driton SELMANAJ, Member of Parliament of Kosovo