President Daniel K.Y. Han of the Legislative Yuan met with the French Parliamentary Delegation to presidential inauguration. In attendance were Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang, Legislators Lin Chu-yin, Chen Yeong-kang, Mai Yu-chen, Director of the Department of International Affairs Kevin C.F. Lin, Director of the French Office in Taipei Franck Paris, and Deputy Secretary-General Josephine Y.H. Lee of the Department of European Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
President Han began by extending a warm welcome to the visiting delegation, and together with Vice President Chiang and representatives from various party caucuses, posed for a commemorative photograph with the delegation. In his remarks, President Han shared the deep appreciation the Taiwanese people have for French cuisine, culture, and technology. He noted that French artistic and literary creations, including various forms of literature, drama, and opera, are highly admired in Taiwan. President Han cited notable French works such as Alexandre Dumas's The Count of Monte Cristo and Alexandre Dumas fils' La Dame aux Camélias, which are well-known in Taiwan. He also highlighted the powerful depiction of human nature in Guy de Maupassant's famous work Boule de Suif, praising the profound literary achievements of French literature.
President Han expressed his gratitude for President Emmanuel Macron's "Military Programming Act 2024–2030 (LPM 2024-2030)," which was enacted in 2023. This legislation marked the first time a European country has emphasized the importance of defending freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region through legislation, with a particular focus on the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. This commitment is a significant encouragement for Taiwan in its efforts to maintain regional peace and stability. President Han also thanked Vice Chairperson Else Joseph for her support in the Senate regarding Taiwan's bid to join the World Health Organization (WHO). He mentioned that Vice President Chiang will lead a Legislative Yuan delegation to the WHA in Geneva, Switzerland, this Friday to attend related events. This visit aims to convey Taiwan's willingness to contribute more to global public health and human well-being. International support on this issue is crucial for Taiwan. Additionally, President Han noted that international media have recently focused on the vigorous debates within Taiwan's parliament on specific domestic issues. However, the presence of representatives from all three party caucuses to welcome the visiting delegation demonstrates the maturing process of Taiwan's parliamentary politics. He expressed confidence that the situation will soon return to a constructive path.
Vice Chairperson Rachid Temal expressed gratitude to President Han for taking the time to meet with the delegation in his address. He introduced the delegation members, highlighting the balanced gender representation and the inclusion of members across party lines from both the Senate and the National Assembly. Vice Chairperson Temal noted the similarities between the political situations in France and Taiwan. While domestic parties in France may have differing views on internal matters, there is a unified stance on foreign policy issues, including support for Taiwan's democracy and a desire to deepen bilateral cooperation in culture, economy, and energy. He further stated that all members of the visiting delegation support President Macron's LPM 2024-2030, which President Han mentioned. This plan emphasizes France's strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific region and the Taiwan Strait, aiming to strengthen France's defense capabilities, research, and related industries. It is closely related to military training and strategic deployments in the Indo-Pacific area. The delegation looks forward to collaborating with democratic partners such as Taiwan to build a peaceful and prosperous future together.
Vice Chairperson Temal continued by expressing that seeing representatives from all parties in Taiwan's parliament attending the meeting reassured him, alleviating concerns about the recent physical altercations in the Legislative Yuan. He also mentioned President Lai Ching-te's inauguration speech, which highlighted goals such as improving the quality of life of the people, advancing new technologies like AI, semiconductors, and energy, as well as focusing on education and public health. These areas present opportunities for France and Taiwan to collaborate closely. Vice Chairperson Temal expressed hope for the establishment of more cooperative channels through the French Office in Taipei. He also conveyed his admiration for President Han’s mentioning of various French literary works and looked forward to more opportunities for exchanges and cooperation with President Han and legislators of all parties.
Hon. Marie-Noëlle Battistel introduced her constituency as a technology hub. As a member of the Economic Committee and a long-term member of the France-Taiwan Friendship Group, she has frequently engaged with Taiwan on technology, AI, and energy issues and believes there is significant potential for cooperation between France and Taiwan. She encouraged Taiwan to benefit from France's experience in energy development and reaffirmed her support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations and the deepening of Taiwan-France relations.
Hon. Else Joseph mentioned that this was her second visit to Taiwan. As a member of the Cultural Committee, she particularly focuses on education, cultural heritage, and sports. She noted President Han's deep engagement with literature and the arts. Hon. Else Joseph introduced the annual "World Festival of Puppet Theaters" held in her constituency, expressing pleasure that Taiwan sends a delegation to participate each year. She also reaffirmed her continued support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations.
Hon. Hadrien Ghomi, as a member of the ruling party, expressed his support for the views of the delegation regarding Taiwan and the deepening of Taiwan-France exchanges. He emphasized that both France and Taiwan share democratic values and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing scientific and economic cooperation between the two countries. He also extended his gratitude to the ambassadors of Taiwan and France for their active efforts in strengthening bilateral relations. Additionally, Hon. Hadrien Ghomi mentioned that his constituency is home to many Taiwanese expatriates. There is even a Taiwanese temple, which fosters a strong sense of familiarity and connection with Taiwan.
Legislator Chen Yeong-kang began his remarks by expressing gratitude to the delegation for their visit and support for Taiwan. He shared that during his military career, he had visited France several times and extended special thanks for France's support of Taiwan's national defense, particularly highlighting the French technology behind the Mirage fighter jets and La Fayette-class frigates, which continue to benefit Taiwan. Chen also noted that June 6 marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. He recalled having personally visited the Normandy beaches, deeply appreciating France's commitment to defending democracy and freedom during World War II. He mentioned that next month, a seminar on the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings will be held in Taipei to express gratitude for France's support of Taiwan's national defense.
Legislator Mai Yu-chen continued by sharing her personal connection to France, having grown up eating French bread in Vietnam, which still bears many remnants of the French colonial period. She noted that upon moving to Taiwan, she observed a faster-paced lifestyle and expressed a desire for continued collaboration between Taiwan and France in trade and technology. Additionally, she hoped to bring some of the romantic and happy atmosphere of France to Taiwan in the future.
At the conclusion of the meeting, President Han proposed encouraging French universities to establish campuses in Taiwan, bringing high-quality French culture to Taiwan and fostering a win-win collaboration between the two countries. He particularly noted that although Taiwan occupies only 0.03% of the world's land and has just 0.3% of the global population, it produces 3% of the world's industrial products. Taiwan's excellent products are widely used in various daily necessities, and he urged France to explore Taiwan's overlooked economic potential and significance. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between Taiwan and France and believed that through parliamentary diplomacy, the two nations could expand their cooperation and achieve mutual benefits.
The meeting lasted approximately 50 minutes and was marked by a warm and friendly atmosphere. At the end of the visit, President Han and Vice Chairperson Temal exchanged commemorative gifts, bringing the meeting to a successful and fulfilling close.
Note: Delegation List
- Vice chairperson Rachid Temal, French Senate Taiwan Friendship Group
- Vice chariperson Else Joseph, French Senate Taiwan Friendship Group
- Vice chairperson Marie-Noëlle Battistel, French National Assembly Taiwan Friendship Group
- 4.Hon. Hadrien Ghomi, French National Assembly Taiwan Friendship Group
