President Daniel K.Y. Han meets Swedish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Association Cross-Party Delegation. President Han: Hope to continue to promote cooperation and exchanges, further deepening Taiwan-Sweden bilateral friendship
President Daniel K.Y. Han of the Legislative Yuan, accompanied by Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang, Chairperson of the Taiwan-Nordic Countries and Baltic States Parliamentary Friendship Association Chiu Chih-Wei, Vice Chairperson Lai Hui-Yuan, Legislators Dr. Weng Hsiao-Ling and Kuo Yu-Ching, and Director of the International Affairs Department Kevin C.F. Lin, met with a three-member cross-party delegation from the Swedish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Association, led by Legislator Lotta Johnsson Fornarve, on the afternoon of August 29. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Remus Li-Kuo Chen and Deputy Director-General of the Department of European Affairs Lee Hsiu-Yao also accompanied the delegation.
President Han first extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation, and after taking a group photo with Vice President Chiang and the attending legislators, he remarked that the presence of cross-party legislators symbolizes the Legislative Yuan's high regard for the delegation. President Han went on to say that Sweden holds a positive image in the hearts of the Taiwanese people, known for its democracy, human rights, environmental protection, and clean urban landscapes, making it one of the most beloved countries in Northern Europe. He also highlighted Sweden's globally renowned brands, such as IKEA and Volvo, which are highly popular in Taiwan. In a lighthearted moment, President Han mentioned that over 40 years ago, the first song played at every university dance was ABBA’s "Dancing Queen," adding that it was a pleasure to welcome esteemed guests from Sweden, creating a sense of familiarity and extending his sincere welcome to the visiting parliamentarians.
During her remarks, MP Lotta Johnsson Fornarve first expressed her gratitude to President Han and the attending legislators for their warm hospitality. She noted that the delegation deeply felt the warmth of the Taiwanese people throughout their visit. During their meetings with various government agencies, they engaged in fruitful discussions on topics such as national defense, environmental protection, and climate change. Despite the geographic distance between Taiwan and Sweden, she emphasized the shared universal values between both countries, such as democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and gender equality. She also highlighted the dynamic exchanges between industry, government, and academia in both nations, noting that many Swedish brands have invested and grown in Taiwan, student exchange programs are active in the field of education, and there has been substantial interaction among parliamentarians. MP Fornarve also pointed out that 46% of Swedish parliamentarians are female, demonstrating Sweden's commitment to gender equality. In response, President Han shared that, of the 113 legislators in the Legislative Yuan, 47 are women, representing a high percentage of 41%.
In his remarks, Vice President Chiang also affirmed that the shared values of Taiwan and Sweden have helped overcome the geographic distance and deepen mutual exchanges. He expressed gratitude to the Swedish Parliament for supporting Taiwan's participation in relevant international organizations. He additionally shared that the largest IKEA in Taiwan is located in his hometown, Taichung. In addition, Swedish online streaming service Spotify, Electrolux appliances, and Swedish automobiles are widely popular in Taiwan. He expressed his hope that the two countries can expand cooperation and exchanges in various other fields in the future.
During the bilateral exchange, Chairperson Chiu Chih-Wei of the Taiwan-Nordic Countries and Baltic States Parliamentary Friendship Association mentioned that he, along with and several of his party colleagues had just returned from a visit to Finland and were deeply impressed by the developments in Nordic countries. He extended special thanks to the Swedish Parliament for its support of Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations such as the WHO, ICAO, and UNFCCC. He also expressed hope that President Han would consider leading a delegation to Sweden in the future and expressed the desire for direct flights between Taiwan and Sweden to further strengthen bilateral exchanges.
Legislator Lai Hui-Yuan also expressed gratitude to the Swedish Parliament for its active advocacy on behalf of Taiwan. She shared her recent impressions from visiting Europe with Legislator Chiu Chih-Wei, noting that the democratic politics and advancements in high-tech industries in Nordic countries are quite similar to those in Taiwan and left a strong impression on her. She looks forward to the continuous strengthening of exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in the future.
Legislator Weng Hsiao-Ling shared her past visit to Sweden and suggested that the two countries could enhance exchanges in higher education and academic talents. She proposed promoting open courses and encouraging the recognition of Taiwan's education system. Additionally, she recommended that, similar to practices of Germany and France, Sweden authorize institutions in Taiwan to process Swedish visas to facilitate greater people-to-people interactions between the two countries.
Legislator Kuo Yu-Ching also expressed her gratitude for Sweden's support of Taiwan's international participation. She mentioned that, in the face of global turmoil, Taiwan can play an increasingly crucial role. She hopes that in the future, Taiwan and Sweden will deepen exchanges in various fields.
The two sides then engaged in extensive discussions on topics such as women's influence, green energy, and regional security cooperation. The meeting lasted approximately one hour and was marked by a friendly and pleasant atmosphere. After exchanging gifts, the delegation had a photo taken in front of the legislative chamber accompanied by International Affairs Department staff. The visit concluded successfully.
Note: List of Guests
1. Riksdag Member Lotta Johnsson Fornarve
2. Riksdag Member John Weinerhall
3. Riksdag Member Göran Hargestam
President Han first extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation, and after taking a group photo with Vice President Chiang and the attending legislators, he remarked that the presence of cross-party legislators symbolizes the Legislative Yuan's high regard for the delegation. President Han went on to say that Sweden holds a positive image in the hearts of the Taiwanese people, known for its democracy, human rights, environmental protection, and clean urban landscapes, making it one of the most beloved countries in Northern Europe. He also highlighted Sweden's globally renowned brands, such as IKEA and Volvo, which are highly popular in Taiwan. In a lighthearted moment, President Han mentioned that over 40 years ago, the first song played at every university dance was ABBA’s "Dancing Queen," adding that it was a pleasure to welcome esteemed guests from Sweden, creating a sense of familiarity and extending his sincere welcome to the visiting parliamentarians.
During her remarks, MP Lotta Johnsson Fornarve first expressed her gratitude to President Han and the attending legislators for their warm hospitality. She noted that the delegation deeply felt the warmth of the Taiwanese people throughout their visit. During their meetings with various government agencies, they engaged in fruitful discussions on topics such as national defense, environmental protection, and climate change. Despite the geographic distance between Taiwan and Sweden, she emphasized the shared universal values between both countries, such as democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and gender equality. She also highlighted the dynamic exchanges between industry, government, and academia in both nations, noting that many Swedish brands have invested and grown in Taiwan, student exchange programs are active in the field of education, and there has been substantial interaction among parliamentarians. MP Fornarve also pointed out that 46% of Swedish parliamentarians are female, demonstrating Sweden's commitment to gender equality. In response, President Han shared that, of the 113 legislators in the Legislative Yuan, 47 are women, representing a high percentage of 41%.
In his remarks, Vice President Chiang also affirmed that the shared values of Taiwan and Sweden have helped overcome the geographic distance and deepen mutual exchanges. He expressed gratitude to the Swedish Parliament for supporting Taiwan's participation in relevant international organizations. He additionally shared that the largest IKEA in Taiwan is located in his hometown, Taichung. In addition, Swedish online streaming service Spotify, Electrolux appliances, and Swedish automobiles are widely popular in Taiwan. He expressed his hope that the two countries can expand cooperation and exchanges in various other fields in the future.
During the bilateral exchange, Chairperson Chiu Chih-Wei of the Taiwan-Nordic Countries and Baltic States Parliamentary Friendship Association mentioned that he, along with and several of his party colleagues had just returned from a visit to Finland and were deeply impressed by the developments in Nordic countries. He extended special thanks to the Swedish Parliament for its support of Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations such as the WHO, ICAO, and UNFCCC. He also expressed hope that President Han would consider leading a delegation to Sweden in the future and expressed the desire for direct flights between Taiwan and Sweden to further strengthen bilateral exchanges.
Legislator Lai Hui-Yuan also expressed gratitude to the Swedish Parliament for its active advocacy on behalf of Taiwan. She shared her recent impressions from visiting Europe with Legislator Chiu Chih-Wei, noting that the democratic politics and advancements in high-tech industries in Nordic countries are quite similar to those in Taiwan and left a strong impression on her. She looks forward to the continuous strengthening of exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in the future.
Legislator Weng Hsiao-Ling shared her past visit to Sweden and suggested that the two countries could enhance exchanges in higher education and academic talents. She proposed promoting open courses and encouraging the recognition of Taiwan's education system. Additionally, she recommended that, similar to practices of Germany and France, Sweden authorize institutions in Taiwan to process Swedish visas to facilitate greater people-to-people interactions between the two countries.
Legislator Kuo Yu-Ching also expressed her gratitude for Sweden's support of Taiwan's international participation. She mentioned that, in the face of global turmoil, Taiwan can play an increasingly crucial role. She hopes that in the future, Taiwan and Sweden will deepen exchanges in various fields.
The two sides then engaged in extensive discussions on topics such as women's influence, green energy, and regional security cooperation. The meeting lasted approximately one hour and was marked by a friendly and pleasant atmosphere. After exchanging gifts, the delegation had a photo taken in front of the legislative chamber accompanied by International Affairs Department staff. The visit concluded successfully.
Note: List of Guests
1. Riksdag Member Lotta Johnsson Fornarve
2. Riksdag Member John Weinerhall
3. Riksdag Member Göran Hargestam