President Daniel K.Y. Han of the Legislative Yuan attends the inauguration ceremony of the Republic of China (Taiwan)-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Association
On the morning of November 29, President Daniel K.Y. Han of the Legislative Yuan attended the inauguration ceremony of the Republic of China (Taiwan)-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Association, initiated by Legislator Ko Chih-En. Distinguished guests in attendance included Legislators Wan Mei-Ling, Chen Ching-Hui, Lu Yu-Ling, Wang Yu-Min, Chen Pei-Yu, Chen Yeong-Kang, Alice Chang, Hsu Yu-Chen, Yang Chiung-Ying, Wu Chun-Cheng, Mai Yu-Chen, Lee Yen-Hsiu, Kuo Yu-Ching, Su Ching-Chuan, Kao Chin Su-Mei, Lo Ming-Tsai, Chen Chao-Ming, Huang Chien-Hao, Lin Chien-Chi, Ko Ju-Chun, Hsieh Lung-Chieh, and Tu Chuan-Chi. Also present were Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. François Chihchung Wu and former Ambassador to Ireland Tu Sheng-Kuan, among others, who joined to celebrate this grand occasion.
The inauguration ceremony commenced with a group photo featuring the distinguished guests in attendance. In his opening remarks, President Han expressed his gratitude to Legislator Ko Chih-En for initiating the establishment of the Republic of China (Taiwan)-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Association. President Han emphasized that this parliamentary diplomacy platform will undoubtedly enhance exchanges between the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Parliament of Ireland. Ireland, often referred to as the "Emerald Isle of Europe," is renowned not only for its lush green landscapes but also for its rich cultural heritage, which is celebrated worldwide. This nation, with a land area of approximately 70,000 square kilometers and a population of just around 5 million, has produced four Nobel laureates in literature and countless outstanding literary and artistic works, including Jonathan Swift’s classic masterpiece, Gulliver’s Travels. Ireland is also the filming location for many renowned movies, such as Harry Potter and Star Wars, attracting countless Taiwanese tourists each year. In the realm of arts and culture, Ireland's iconic bands, U2 and The Cranberries, have captivated audiences worldwide, touching the hearts of countless music enthusiasts. The traditional Irish stepdance performance Riverdance, with its vibrant rhythms and grand ensemble, has become one of the most iconic symbols of Irish culture.
President Han further noted that The University of Dublin, with a history spanning over 400 years, is Ireland's oldest university. He expressed confidence that Legislator Ko Chih-En will continue to advance educational exchanges between Taiwan and Ireland in the future. He added that Taiwan is facing challenging diplomatic circumstances, making the cultivation of friendships critically important for expanding its diplomatic space, and that the establishment of the Republic of China (Taiwan)-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Association is expected to significantly enhance the momentum of parliamentary diplomacy between Taiwan and Ireland. In conclusion, President Han extended his best wishes for the success of the Friendship Association and expressed his hope for collaborative efforts among all legislators present to further strengthen Taiwan-Ireland relations.
The inauguration ceremony continued with congratulatory remarks delivered by Deputy Minister Amb. François Chihchung Wu and former Ambassador to Ireland Tu Sheng-Kuan, followed by a speech from the initiator, Legislator Ko Chih-En. Following the adoption of the organizational charter of the Friendship Association and the election of the chairperson and vice-chairperson, the ceremony featured congratulatory video messages from Ambassador Yang Tzu-Pau, Taiwan’s representative to Ireland; John McGuinness, Chair of the Ireland-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Society; Senator Diarmuid Wilson, Secretary-General of the Friendship Society; and Senators Gerry Horkan and Gerard Craughwell. Additionally, Lutz Güllner, Head of the European Economic and Trade Office, sent a congratulatory letter. The inauguration ceremony lasted approximately 30 minutes and concluded successfully.
The inauguration ceremony commenced with a group photo featuring the distinguished guests in attendance. In his opening remarks, President Han expressed his gratitude to Legislator Ko Chih-En for initiating the establishment of the Republic of China (Taiwan)-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Association. President Han emphasized that this parliamentary diplomacy platform will undoubtedly enhance exchanges between the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Parliament of Ireland. Ireland, often referred to as the "Emerald Isle of Europe," is renowned not only for its lush green landscapes but also for its rich cultural heritage, which is celebrated worldwide. This nation, with a land area of approximately 70,000 square kilometers and a population of just around 5 million, has produced four Nobel laureates in literature and countless outstanding literary and artistic works, including Jonathan Swift’s classic masterpiece, Gulliver’s Travels. Ireland is also the filming location for many renowned movies, such as Harry Potter and Star Wars, attracting countless Taiwanese tourists each year. In the realm of arts and culture, Ireland's iconic bands, U2 and The Cranberries, have captivated audiences worldwide, touching the hearts of countless music enthusiasts. The traditional Irish stepdance performance Riverdance, with its vibrant rhythms and grand ensemble, has become one of the most iconic symbols of Irish culture.
President Han further noted that The University of Dublin, with a history spanning over 400 years, is Ireland's oldest university. He expressed confidence that Legislator Ko Chih-En will continue to advance educational exchanges between Taiwan and Ireland in the future. He added that Taiwan is facing challenging diplomatic circumstances, making the cultivation of friendships critically important for expanding its diplomatic space, and that the establishment of the Republic of China (Taiwan)-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Association is expected to significantly enhance the momentum of parliamentary diplomacy between Taiwan and Ireland. In conclusion, President Han extended his best wishes for the success of the Friendship Association and expressed his hope for collaborative efforts among all legislators present to further strengthen Taiwan-Ireland relations.
The inauguration ceremony continued with congratulatory remarks delivered by Deputy Minister Amb. François Chihchung Wu and former Ambassador to Ireland Tu Sheng-Kuan, followed by a speech from the initiator, Legislator Ko Chih-En. Following the adoption of the organizational charter of the Friendship Association and the election of the chairperson and vice-chairperson, the ceremony featured congratulatory video messages from Ambassador Yang Tzu-Pau, Taiwan’s representative to Ireland; John McGuinness, Chair of the Ireland-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Society; Senator Diarmuid Wilson, Secretary-General of the Friendship Society; and Senators Gerry Horkan and Gerard Craughwell. Additionally, Lutz Güllner, Head of the European Economic and Trade Office, sent a congratulatory letter. The inauguration ceremony lasted approximately 30 minutes and concluded successfully.