President Han: “Hope New Zealand supports Taiwan’s accession to Comprehensive Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership to create economic growth and a promising future.”

On the afternoon of April 18, President Daniel K.Y. Han met and hosted a luncheon in honor of New Zealand delegation from All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taiwan. In attendance were Vice President Johnny C. Chiang, Legislators Huang Jen, Hung Sun-han, Mai Yu-chen, International Affairs Department Director Kevin C.F. Lin, Deputy Minister Tien Chung-kwang, East Asian and Pacific Department Director-General Peter Sha-li Lan and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New Zealand Representative Joanne Ou from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

In his remarks, President Han welcomed the New Zealand delegation from All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taiwan to the Legislative Yuan. Legislators from three political party caucuses were present to welcome the delegation. The 23 million people of Taiwan like New Zealand no matter they visit New Zealand or not. He believed that many people of Taiwan watched the movie of “The Lord of the Rings”, which was shot entirely in New Zealand and was a global box office hit. Therefore, we are all attracted by the beautiful scenery of New Zealand. In addition, New Zealand’s kiwis and dairy products are popular in Taiwan. Therefore, the Legislative Yuan was especially delighted to welcome the delegation. He continued to state that more than a decade ago, the elementary school founded by him and his wife sent a group of students to New Zealand on an educational exchange program, and they returned to Taiwan with a more energetic, optimistic and courageous personality, which impressed him a lot. Although New Zealand is also called the loneliest country on the planet, its astonishing beautiful nature, friendly people and abundant resources are greatly aspired and appreciated by the people of Taiwan. 

Members of Parliament Sam Uffindell, who was also the head of the delegation greeted all in Mandarin and thanked President Han, Vice President Chiang, and attending legislators for their warm welcome and precious time. The delegation marked the first cross-party parliamentary delegation from New Zealand. The main purpose of the visit was to further strengthen cordial relations between New Zealand and Taiwan. Taiwan is New Zealand’s seventh largest trading partner. His family grows kiwis in New Zealand. As such, he hoped to further deepen bilateral economic and trade relations. Under the framework of ANZTEC signed in 2013, Taiwan’s pineapples are going to be exported to New Zealand. New Zealand welcomes this positive progress, which has brought tremendous economic and trade interests. He continued to state that the root of New Zealand’s Maori tribe can be found in Taiwan. Maori people share many similarities with Taiwan’s indigenous people. On their first day of visiting program was to Jianshi Township in Hsinchu County to visit indigenous tribes and were greatly moved by the visit. In addition, Taiwan shares universal values of democracy, human rights and rule of law with New Zealand. Taiwan’s political economic and social developments over the past three and four decades have been marvelous. Therefore, New Zealand hopes to deepen cooperation with Taiwan in various fields. He believed that on the existing solid foundation, cooperation of reciprocity and mutual interest will continue to be expanded.       

Member of Parliament Ingrid Leary, who is also the cochair of the delegation began her remarks by greeting everyone in New Zealand’s indigenous language. On behalf of all people of New Zealand, she wanted to express her condolences to those who were affected by Hualien earthquake and hoped Taiwan could recover from the disaster and to rebuild homes so that people could return to their normal life. Although people of New Zealand are thousand miles away from Taiwan, they have watched closely on the updates and development of Taiwan. Then, on behalf of New Zealand’s parliament, she congratulated Taiwan for successfully conducting elections in January. Taiwan’s full-fledged democracy has been a beacon of hope in the world as well as a role model for countries around the globe. All delegation members were impressed by the progress in multiple fields during this visit and she expressed her admiration to Taiwan on these achievements. Both Taiwan and New Zealand are Asia Pacific Island countries and are very aware of the importance of regional security. Therefore, they are more determined to deepen bilateral cooperation.  

Then, Member of Parliament Ingrid Leary invited other three members of parliament and Representative Ou to thank the people of Taiwan by singing a New Zealand indigenous song and received a warm accolade. President Han along with Vice President Chiang also invited three attending legislators to sing “We are all family” to reciprocate their warm friendship. After taking group photos and exchanging of gifts, President Han invited the delegation to proceed to the banquet hall for the welcome luncheon. 

At the beginning of the luncheon, President Han stated that Taiwan and New Zealand are important economic and trade partners. Taiwan is eager to join Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to deepen regional economic cooperation with its members. He hoped that delegation members would return home with not only fond memories in Taiwan but also Taiwan’s aspiration to join CPTPP to the New Zealand’s parliament and government to allow Taiwan to make more contributions to regional and global economic prosperity.

During the luncheon, both sides exchange views on issues related with Taiwan-New Zealand relations, current political landscape, economic and trade cooperation, diversified culture and indigenous exchanges, and parliamentary diplomacy with like-minded countries. The Legislative Yuan arranged pineapples and kiwis for the luncheon symbolizing Taiwan and New Zealand respectively and their close cordial relations. Members of Parliament Sam Uffindell and Ingrid Leary invited Legislator Huang Jen and Vice President Chiang to share the breath by touching face and nose with each other to symbolize everlasting friendship in Maori’s traditional way of greetings.  

President Han concluded the luncheon by inviting all distinguished guests to propose a toast. The delegation once again sang a New Zealand traditional song to wish the best of Taiwan-New Zealand relations. The meeting and luncheon lasted for about 90 minutes and concluded in a warm and joyful atmosphere. (E) 


Delegate List:
1. Hon. Sam Uffindell, Member of the New Zealand Parliament
2. Hon. Ingrid Leary, Member of the New Zealand Parliament
3. Hon. Andy Foster, Member of the New Zealand Parliament
4. Hon. Todd Stephenson, Member of the New Zealand Parliament