Vice President Chiang of the Legislative Yuan Met with a Delegation from the Senate of Ireland
Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang of the Legislative Yuan, accompanied by Kuomintang Legislator Weng Hsiao-Ling, Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Kuo Yu-Ching, Taiwan People's Party Legislator Lin Yi-Chun, Deputy Director of the Department of International Affairs Yang Fang-Ling, and Deputy Secretary General of the Department of European Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Li Hsiu-Yao met a five-member delegation from the Senate of Ireland on the afternoon of July 17.
Vice President Chiang first extended his warm welcome to the delegation members on behalf of President Daniel K.Y. Han, indicating that this was the first Irish group to visit the Legislative Yuan since the 11th parliament took office, and he believed that the trip to Taiwan would give the delegation a chance to sample Taiwan’s specialty foods and local customs. Vice President Chiang further revealed that Ireland and Taiwan share many similarities; for instance, both island countries highly dependent on international trade. Furthermore, according to the United Nation’s “World Happiness Report 2024”, the Irish people’s sense of happiness ranks 17th in the world, meaning Irish people are as fulfilled and content as their Taiwanese counterparts. Moreover, both Ireland and Taiwan have consistently braved challenges in the pursuit of democracy and freedom. The Taiwanese people are equally impressed with Ireland’s extraordinary arts and culture, as Irish sights and sounds are often featured in well-known movies and television shows including Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Game of Thrones, all of which provide audiences around the globe with a glimpse of Ireland’s beautiful landscape. As for literature, Ireland has produced four Nobel laureates in literature, and the country’s musical works and iconic River dance performance have captivated global audiences.
Vice President Chiang noted that though Taiwan and Ireland are small in size and population, both countries are strongly competitive in the international community. According to the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in 2024, Taiwan ranked 8th among out of 67 countries. As a result, Vice President Chiang believes that Taiwan and Ireland can build a reciprocal relationship through economic and trade exchanges in the future. President Chiang continued to emphasize that he would like to express his sincere appreciation to the Irish National Parliament on behalf of the Legislative Yuan and all the people of Taiwan for the resolution passed by the Senate of Ireland in January this year to support the people of Taiwan to be free from threats and enjoy peace. He also thanked the delegation members for their long-term support and for speaking out for Taiwan in the international arena. Moreover, he expressed his hope that the delegation would have a fruitful trip.
Senator Diarmuid Wilson thanked Vice President Chiang for taking the time to meet them. He said this trip to Taiwan is his 8th visit, and all the accompanying members are members of the Senate of Ireland’s Taiwan Friendship Group. They pay close attention to Taiwan’s development, have promoted Taiwan’s international participation for many years, and fully support Taiwan. Senator Wilson stated that he hoped to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas including the economy, culture, education, and tourism through this visit, and expressed anticipation for the reestablishment of an Irish representative office in Taiwan. He stressed that Ireland and Taiwan are both democratic and free countries, and that Taiwan has continuously played the role of a beacon of freedom and democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. He expected the two countries to work hand in hand with allies in the democratic camp to safeguard universal values, facilitate economic prosperity, and maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. During the bilateral exchange, Legislator Weng Hsiao-Ling also expressed interest in student exchanges between Taiwan and Ireland, saying she looked forward to promoting further exchanges for young people in both countries. In addition, Legislator Kuo Yu-Ching mentioned that Taiwan is scheduled to conduct a nationwide military drill soon, and the Clouded Leopard Armored Vehicle used in the drill is a result of design and manufacturing technology learned from Ireland and brought back by Taiwan’s trained personnel. She thanked Ireland for its contribution to regional stability, and hoped the two countries will have further exchanges in other fields such as healthcare, science, and technology in the future.
The two sides then discussed issues regarding academic exchanges, national defense and the military, information security, democracy and human rights, the Russia-Ukraine war, science and technology and medical care, women's participation in politics, and culture and art. The meeting lasted for approximately one hour and came to a successful end in a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere after both sides exchanged souvenirs.
Note: List of Visitors
1.Diarmuid WILSON, Vice Chairman of the Senate of Ireland's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee
2.Gerard CRAUGHWELL, Member of the Senate of Ireland's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee
3.Gerry HORKAN, Member of the Senate of Ireland's Transport and Communications Committee
4.Sharon KEOGAN, Member of the Senate of Ireland's European Union Affairs Committee
5.Garret AHEARN, Vice Chairman of the Enterprise, Trade and Employment Committee
Vice President Chiang first extended his warm welcome to the delegation members on behalf of President Daniel K.Y. Han, indicating that this was the first Irish group to visit the Legislative Yuan since the 11th parliament took office, and he believed that the trip to Taiwan would give the delegation a chance to sample Taiwan’s specialty foods and local customs. Vice President Chiang further revealed that Ireland and Taiwan share many similarities; for instance, both island countries highly dependent on international trade. Furthermore, according to the United Nation’s “World Happiness Report 2024”, the Irish people’s sense of happiness ranks 17th in the world, meaning Irish people are as fulfilled and content as their Taiwanese counterparts. Moreover, both Ireland and Taiwan have consistently braved challenges in the pursuit of democracy and freedom. The Taiwanese people are equally impressed with Ireland’s extraordinary arts and culture, as Irish sights and sounds are often featured in well-known movies and television shows including Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Game of Thrones, all of which provide audiences around the globe with a glimpse of Ireland’s beautiful landscape. As for literature, Ireland has produced four Nobel laureates in literature, and the country’s musical works and iconic River dance performance have captivated global audiences.
Vice President Chiang noted that though Taiwan and Ireland are small in size and population, both countries are strongly competitive in the international community. According to the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in 2024, Taiwan ranked 8th among out of 67 countries. As a result, Vice President Chiang believes that Taiwan and Ireland can build a reciprocal relationship through economic and trade exchanges in the future. President Chiang continued to emphasize that he would like to express his sincere appreciation to the Irish National Parliament on behalf of the Legislative Yuan and all the people of Taiwan for the resolution passed by the Senate of Ireland in January this year to support the people of Taiwan to be free from threats and enjoy peace. He also thanked the delegation members for their long-term support and for speaking out for Taiwan in the international arena. Moreover, he expressed his hope that the delegation would have a fruitful trip.
Senator Diarmuid Wilson thanked Vice President Chiang for taking the time to meet them. He said this trip to Taiwan is his 8th visit, and all the accompanying members are members of the Senate of Ireland’s Taiwan Friendship Group. They pay close attention to Taiwan’s development, have promoted Taiwan’s international participation for many years, and fully support Taiwan. Senator Wilson stated that he hoped to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas including the economy, culture, education, and tourism through this visit, and expressed anticipation for the reestablishment of an Irish representative office in Taiwan. He stressed that Ireland and Taiwan are both democratic and free countries, and that Taiwan has continuously played the role of a beacon of freedom and democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. He expected the two countries to work hand in hand with allies in the democratic camp to safeguard universal values, facilitate economic prosperity, and maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. During the bilateral exchange, Legislator Weng Hsiao-Ling also expressed interest in student exchanges between Taiwan and Ireland, saying she looked forward to promoting further exchanges for young people in both countries. In addition, Legislator Kuo Yu-Ching mentioned that Taiwan is scheduled to conduct a nationwide military drill soon, and the Clouded Leopard Armored Vehicle used in the drill is a result of design and manufacturing technology learned from Ireland and brought back by Taiwan’s trained personnel. She thanked Ireland for its contribution to regional stability, and hoped the two countries will have further exchanges in other fields such as healthcare, science, and technology in the future.
The two sides then discussed issues regarding academic exchanges, national defense and the military, information security, democracy and human rights, the Russia-Ukraine war, science and technology and medical care, women's participation in politics, and culture and art. The meeting lasted for approximately one hour and came to a successful end in a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere after both sides exchanged souvenirs.
Note: List of Visitors
1.Diarmuid WILSON, Vice Chairman of the Senate of Ireland's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee
2.Gerard CRAUGHWELL, Member of the Senate of Ireland's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee
3.Gerry HORKAN, Member of the Senate of Ireland's Transport and Communications Committee
4.Sharon KEOGAN, Member of the Senate of Ireland's European Union Affairs Committee
5.Garret AHEARN, Vice Chairman of the Enterprise, Trade and Employment Committee