President of the Legislative Yuan Daniel K.Y. Han meets with 31-member delegation from the Association Réalités et Relations Internationales. President Han: The more Taiwan stands out on the international stage, the safer it becomes. We look forward to jointly creating a better future with visiting delegation.
On the morning of November 14, President of the Legislative Yuan Daniel K.Y. Han, accompanied by KMT Legislator Weng Hsiao-Ling, DPP Legislator Chen Pei-Yu, TPP Legislator Mai Yu-Chen, International Affairs Department Deputy Director Yang Fang-Ling, Assistant Professor Chi Ho-Chun from the Graduate Institute of National Policy and Public Affairs of National Chung Hsing University (NCHU), and Researcher Fellow Lee Suen-Cheng from the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER), met with a 31-member delegation from the Association Réalités et Relations Internationales (ARRI).
President Han first extended a warm welcome to the guests, and then took a group photo with the delegation to mark the occasion. President Han began by noting that the current legislature comprises 113 members. He also highlighted the presence of legislators from the three major political parties, who warmly welcomed the ARRI. President Han pointed out that the members of the delegation come from different political parties, backgrounds, professions, and areas of expertise. He added that it was a unique opportunity for such a diverse group to convene and gain insights into Taiwan's development and its role in the global community. President Han, once again, welcomed the distinguished guests from France.
President Han continued by emphasizing that the Taiwanese people hold a deep and favorable impression of France, a nation renowned for its rich cultural heritage and significant contributions to scientific and technological advancement. He noted that France has produced numerous Nobel Prize laureates, playing a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and fostering innovation globally. In addition, President Han highlighted France's renowned artistic and literary contributions, citing iconic works such as Alexandre Dumas (père)'s The Count of Monte Cristo and Alexandre Dumas (fils)'s The Lady of the Camellias as prime examples. These masterpieces brilliantly explore the complexities of human nature, enriching the minds of readers across the globe, including those in Taiwan.
President Han also emphasized that the bilateral trade volume between Taiwan and France hit a new high of US$6.09 billion in 2023, demonstrating not only the close economic ties and trade between the two nations but also the potential for further collaboration in the future. He brought up that Vice President the Legislative Yuan Johnny C. Chiang was at the time leading a delegation composed of cross-party members to promote parliamentary diplomacy in France, and the delegation met with members of the French Senate's Taiwan Friendship Group, demonstrating the strong friendship between Taiwan and France. President Han concluded by expressing his sincere hope that the visiting guests would fondly remember their experience in Taiwan, a warm and welcoming place in Asia, and welcomed them to visit again at any time.
In his remarks, President David Capitant of the ARRI thanked President Han for taking the time during the opening of the legislative session to receive the delegation. President Capitant pointed out that the French people are no strangers to Taiwan. Beyond its reputation as "Formosa"—the beautiful island—Taiwan is known by the French through movies and culture. In addition, the warmth and hospitality of the Taiwanese people have further enhanced the appeal of visiting Taiwan for many. President Capitant continued to express that despite the geographic distance between Taiwan and France, the two sides share core values such as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, which further fosters a solid partnership of mutual trust. He mentioned that the recent French parliamentary election just ended, and the result was similar to that in Taiwan, with no political party gaining a majority. President Capitant said that the ARRI pays close attention to geopolitics influenced by the elections in Taiwan and the United States, and it looked forward to learning more about relevant issues by visiting the Legislative Yuan, the core of Taiwan's politics.
During the meeting, KMT Legislator Weng Hsiao-Ling shared that she received her doctorate in Germany, but deeply admired France's outstanding achievements in economy, culture, science and technology, and law. She pointed out that France's outstanding research in constitutional law and administrative law serves as a valuable model for legal systems in Asian countries. Legislator Weng mentioned that Taiwan's government system is similar to that of France. She also expressed her eagerness for increased parliamentary exchanges to facilitate the sharing of best practices in advancing democracy and rule of law, as well as more professional exchanges between the two nations in nuclear energy policy and energy technology.
DPP Legislator Chen Pei-Yu talked about her past experience in education and pointed out that she has been promoting education through discussing issues such as democracy, philosophy, and art with parents and students. After becoming a legislator, she has continued to emphasize the promotion of core values such as human rights, democracy, and freedom to the next generation, hoping they will understand and embrace democracy and freedom as the best system. She also expressed her eagerness to visit France in the future and meeting with French parliament members to further deepen exchanges in culture, education, and art.
Legislator Mai Yu-Chen talked about her experience growing up in Vietnam, shaped by a significant French cultural influence. From cuisine and architecture to the unique romantic ambiance, these French cultural elements were deeply ingrained in her heart. She hoped that Taiwan and France could further deepen cooperation and exchanges in the future.
In his response, President Han pointed out that Taiwan now faces an array of challenges on the world stage; therefore, our leaders must use their wisdom to unite all 23.5 million people in Taiwan plus over 50 million overseas Taiwanese to work together for peace, freedom, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. President Han expressed his hope that France will continue to voice support for Taiwan's international participation because the more Taiwan stands out on the international stage, the safer it becomes. He also thanked President Emmanuel Macron and the French Parliament for attaching great importance to the freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait, which has enhanced peace and stability in the region. President Han looked forward to increased cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and France in the future to create a win-win situation.
He also noted that due to the declining birthrate, 15 universities in Taiwan have been forced to suspend admissions and cease operations. In this regard, President Han sincerely invited prestigious universities in France to set up branch campuses in Taiwan and to make full use of existing campus buildings and facilities. This would not only benefit students in Taiwan, but also attract young scholars and students from neighboring countries to study in Taiwan, facilitating the development of higher education and collaborations in talent cultivation for both sides.
Both sides then engaged in an extensive exchange of views on various topics, including geopolitics, the development of the Indo-Pacific situation, the post-election situation in the United States, constitutional systems, the energy industry, democracy, and gender equality in a friendly and pleasant atmosphere. The meeting lasted approximately one hour and came to a successful end after both sides exchanged commemorative gifts.
President Han first extended a warm welcome to the guests, and then took a group photo with the delegation to mark the occasion. President Han began by noting that the current legislature comprises 113 members. He also highlighted the presence of legislators from the three major political parties, who warmly welcomed the ARRI. President Han pointed out that the members of the delegation come from different political parties, backgrounds, professions, and areas of expertise. He added that it was a unique opportunity for such a diverse group to convene and gain insights into Taiwan's development and its role in the global community. President Han, once again, welcomed the distinguished guests from France.
President Han continued by emphasizing that the Taiwanese people hold a deep and favorable impression of France, a nation renowned for its rich cultural heritage and significant contributions to scientific and technological advancement. He noted that France has produced numerous Nobel Prize laureates, playing a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and fostering innovation globally. In addition, President Han highlighted France's renowned artistic and literary contributions, citing iconic works such as Alexandre Dumas (père)'s The Count of Monte Cristo and Alexandre Dumas (fils)'s The Lady of the Camellias as prime examples. These masterpieces brilliantly explore the complexities of human nature, enriching the minds of readers across the globe, including those in Taiwan.
President Han also emphasized that the bilateral trade volume between Taiwan and France hit a new high of US$6.09 billion in 2023, demonstrating not only the close economic ties and trade between the two nations but also the potential for further collaboration in the future. He brought up that Vice President the Legislative Yuan Johnny C. Chiang was at the time leading a delegation composed of cross-party members to promote parliamentary diplomacy in France, and the delegation met with members of the French Senate's Taiwan Friendship Group, demonstrating the strong friendship between Taiwan and France. President Han concluded by expressing his sincere hope that the visiting guests would fondly remember their experience in Taiwan, a warm and welcoming place in Asia, and welcomed them to visit again at any time.
In his remarks, President David Capitant of the ARRI thanked President Han for taking the time during the opening of the legislative session to receive the delegation. President Capitant pointed out that the French people are no strangers to Taiwan. Beyond its reputation as "Formosa"—the beautiful island—Taiwan is known by the French through movies and culture. In addition, the warmth and hospitality of the Taiwanese people have further enhanced the appeal of visiting Taiwan for many. President Capitant continued to express that despite the geographic distance between Taiwan and France, the two sides share core values such as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, which further fosters a solid partnership of mutual trust. He mentioned that the recent French parliamentary election just ended, and the result was similar to that in Taiwan, with no political party gaining a majority. President Capitant said that the ARRI pays close attention to geopolitics influenced by the elections in Taiwan and the United States, and it looked forward to learning more about relevant issues by visiting the Legislative Yuan, the core of Taiwan's politics.
During the meeting, KMT Legislator Weng Hsiao-Ling shared that she received her doctorate in Germany, but deeply admired France's outstanding achievements in economy, culture, science and technology, and law. She pointed out that France's outstanding research in constitutional law and administrative law serves as a valuable model for legal systems in Asian countries. Legislator Weng mentioned that Taiwan's government system is similar to that of France. She also expressed her eagerness for increased parliamentary exchanges to facilitate the sharing of best practices in advancing democracy and rule of law, as well as more professional exchanges between the two nations in nuclear energy policy and energy technology.
DPP Legislator Chen Pei-Yu talked about her past experience in education and pointed out that she has been promoting education through discussing issues such as democracy, philosophy, and art with parents and students. After becoming a legislator, she has continued to emphasize the promotion of core values such as human rights, democracy, and freedom to the next generation, hoping they will understand and embrace democracy and freedom as the best system. She also expressed her eagerness to visit France in the future and meeting with French parliament members to further deepen exchanges in culture, education, and art.
Legislator Mai Yu-Chen talked about her experience growing up in Vietnam, shaped by a significant French cultural influence. From cuisine and architecture to the unique romantic ambiance, these French cultural elements were deeply ingrained in her heart. She hoped that Taiwan and France could further deepen cooperation and exchanges in the future.
In his response, President Han pointed out that Taiwan now faces an array of challenges on the world stage; therefore, our leaders must use their wisdom to unite all 23.5 million people in Taiwan plus over 50 million overseas Taiwanese to work together for peace, freedom, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. President Han expressed his hope that France will continue to voice support for Taiwan's international participation because the more Taiwan stands out on the international stage, the safer it becomes. He also thanked President Emmanuel Macron and the French Parliament for attaching great importance to the freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait, which has enhanced peace and stability in the region. President Han looked forward to increased cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and France in the future to create a win-win situation.
He also noted that due to the declining birthrate, 15 universities in Taiwan have been forced to suspend admissions and cease operations. In this regard, President Han sincerely invited prestigious universities in France to set up branch campuses in Taiwan and to make full use of existing campus buildings and facilities. This would not only benefit students in Taiwan, but also attract young scholars and students from neighboring countries to study in Taiwan, facilitating the development of higher education and collaborations in talent cultivation for both sides.
Both sides then engaged in an extensive exchange of views on various topics, including geopolitics, the development of the Indo-Pacific situation, the post-election situation in the United States, constitutional systems, the energy industry, democracy, and gender equality in a friendly and pleasant atmosphere. The meeting lasted approximately one hour and came to a successful end after both sides exchanged commemorative gifts.