President Han Receives "Estonia-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group" Delegation
President Daniel K.Y. Han: Warmly Welcome the "Estonia-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group" to Taiwan. Good friends should deepen their exchanges through frequent visits.
On the morning of March 4, President Daniel K.Y. Han of the Legislative Yuan, accompanied by Deputy President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang, KMT Legislator Chen Yeong-Kang, DPP Legislator Fan Yun, TPP Deputy Convener/Legislator Huang Shan-Shan, Secretary-General Chester Chou, International Affairs Department Director Kevin C.F. Lin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hsieh Wu-Chiao, European Affairs Department Director-General Eric Huang, met with the delegation of the "Estonia-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group."
In his opening remarks, President Han welcomed the "Estonia-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group" to Taiwan and introduced the distinguished attendees to the delegation. He referred to Taiwan as the "Island of Smiles" and then invited the guests to share a big smile for the press. During the closed-door meeting, he first expressed gratitude to Chairman Kristo Enn Vaga for his continued support of Taiwan's participation in specialized agencies of the United Nations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). President Han particularly mentioned Chairman Vaga’s letter to the UNFCCC advocating for Taiwan's participation as an observer in its annual assembly last year. While emphasizing the shared universal values of freedom and democracy between Taiwan and Estonia, President Han thanked Estonia for its medical assistance to Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Han then praised that although Estonia has a population of only 1.3 million, it is a digital powerhouse. He emphasized that Estonia's digital public services serve as a role model for Taiwan and countries worldwide. He expressed hope for deeper exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and Estonia in various fields, such as trade, culture, and digital development. He concluded by stating that good friends should visit each other more often, extending his sincere welcome to the delegation once again.
Chairman Vaga began his remarks by expressing gratitude to President Han for taking time out of busy schedule to meet the delegation during session and for the warm reception. Upon their arrival in Taiwan, the delegation immediately felt the warmth of the Taiwanese people, renowned for their smiles, something that Estonia, located in the far North, could learn from. He stated that the Estonian Parliament consists of six different political parties, and the delegation is composed of eight prominent parliamentarians from five different parties and committees, illustrating the diversity and importance of the visiting group.
Chairman Vaga went on to say that they closely monitor Taiwan's situation and its flourishing democratic development. He congratulated Taiwan on successfully holding presidential and parliamentary elections earlier this year, and extended his congratulations to President Han on his election victory. He noted that European countries are seeking closer relations with Taiwan, which is in line with Estonia's new direction in foreign policies. Chairman Vaga commended Taiwan's medical assistance to Estonia during the pandemic and its humanitarian aid to Ukraine, both of which serve as inspiration for Estonia.
Chairman Vaga further pointed out that since the Russia-Ukraine war, European countries have been deeply concerned about the spread of authoritarianism. Although Taiwan and Estonia are geographically distant, they share and cherish democratic values. Faced with this trend, democracies across the globe should further unite and collaborate to safeguard democratic values. He concluded by expressing his hope for continued, closer cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and Estonia. He also extended an invitation to President Han, Vice President Chiang, and other legislators to visit Estonia at their convenience to further enhance bilateral friendship.
President Han then invited all distinguished guests for group photos and exchanged souvenir, followed by a luncheon, where all participants engaged in in-depth discussions on various topics including Taiwan-Estonia relations, national defense, military capability, election strategies, aging population and low birth rates, urban digital development, and interactions among party caucuses in the new legislative session. The visit and luncheon, lasting about two hours, concluded in a warm and joyful vibe.
Delegation List:
1. Friendship Group Chairman Kristo Enn Vaga
2. Deputy Chairman of the Cultural Committee Tõnis Lukas
3. Deputy Chairman of the Constitutional Committee Jaak Valge
4. Member of Parliament Juku-Kalle Raid
5. Member of Parliament Ester Karuse
6. Member of Parliament Luisa Rõivas
7. Member of Parliament Katrin Kuusemäe
8. Member of Parliament Karmen Joller
On the morning of March 4, President Daniel K.Y. Han of the Legislative Yuan, accompanied by Deputy President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang, KMT Legislator Chen Yeong-Kang, DPP Legislator Fan Yun, TPP Deputy Convener/Legislator Huang Shan-Shan, Secretary-General Chester Chou, International Affairs Department Director Kevin C.F. Lin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hsieh Wu-Chiao, European Affairs Department Director-General Eric Huang, met with the delegation of the "Estonia-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group."
In his opening remarks, President Han welcomed the "Estonia-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group" to Taiwan and introduced the distinguished attendees to the delegation. He referred to Taiwan as the "Island of Smiles" and then invited the guests to share a big smile for the press. During the closed-door meeting, he first expressed gratitude to Chairman Kristo Enn Vaga for his continued support of Taiwan's participation in specialized agencies of the United Nations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). President Han particularly mentioned Chairman Vaga’s letter to the UNFCCC advocating for Taiwan's participation as an observer in its annual assembly last year. While emphasizing the shared universal values of freedom and democracy between Taiwan and Estonia, President Han thanked Estonia for its medical assistance to Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Han then praised that although Estonia has a population of only 1.3 million, it is a digital powerhouse. He emphasized that Estonia's digital public services serve as a role model for Taiwan and countries worldwide. He expressed hope for deeper exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and Estonia in various fields, such as trade, culture, and digital development. He concluded by stating that good friends should visit each other more often, extending his sincere welcome to the delegation once again.
Chairman Vaga began his remarks by expressing gratitude to President Han for taking time out of busy schedule to meet the delegation during session and for the warm reception. Upon their arrival in Taiwan, the delegation immediately felt the warmth of the Taiwanese people, renowned for their smiles, something that Estonia, located in the far North, could learn from. He stated that the Estonian Parliament consists of six different political parties, and the delegation is composed of eight prominent parliamentarians from five different parties and committees, illustrating the diversity and importance of the visiting group.
Chairman Vaga went on to say that they closely monitor Taiwan's situation and its flourishing democratic development. He congratulated Taiwan on successfully holding presidential and parliamentary elections earlier this year, and extended his congratulations to President Han on his election victory. He noted that European countries are seeking closer relations with Taiwan, which is in line with Estonia's new direction in foreign policies. Chairman Vaga commended Taiwan's medical assistance to Estonia during the pandemic and its humanitarian aid to Ukraine, both of which serve as inspiration for Estonia.
Chairman Vaga further pointed out that since the Russia-Ukraine war, European countries have been deeply concerned about the spread of authoritarianism. Although Taiwan and Estonia are geographically distant, they share and cherish democratic values. Faced with this trend, democracies across the globe should further unite and collaborate to safeguard democratic values. He concluded by expressing his hope for continued, closer cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and Estonia. He also extended an invitation to President Han, Vice President Chiang, and other legislators to visit Estonia at their convenience to further enhance bilateral friendship.
President Han then invited all distinguished guests for group photos and exchanged souvenir, followed by a luncheon, where all participants engaged in in-depth discussions on various topics including Taiwan-Estonia relations, national defense, military capability, election strategies, aging population and low birth rates, urban digital development, and interactions among party caucuses in the new legislative session. The visit and luncheon, lasting about two hours, concluded in a warm and joyful vibe.
Delegation List:
1. Friendship Group Chairman Kristo Enn Vaga
2. Deputy Chairman of the Cultural Committee Tõnis Lukas
3. Deputy Chairman of the Constitutional Committee Jaak Valge
4. Member of Parliament Juku-Kalle Raid
5. Member of Parliament Ester Karuse
6. Member of Parliament Luisa Rõivas
7. Member of Parliament Katrin Kuusemäe
8. Member of Parliament Karmen Joller