President Daniel K.Y. Han of the Legislative Yuan receives and hosts luncheon for delegation of permanent representatives of diplomatic allies to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations; President Han: We are grateful for the steadfast support of Taiwan’s allies — together we safeguard democracy and freedom.
At noon on August 7, President Daniel K.Y. Han of the Legislative Yuan received and hosted a luncheon for a six-member delegation of permanent representatives of diplomatic allies to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations; the delegation was led by Ambassador José Francisco Calí Tzay. President Han was accompanied by KMT Legislator Dr. Lin Chien-Chi, DPP Legislator Dr. Puma Shen, TPP Legislator Dr. Liu Shu-Pin and International Affairs Department Director Kevin C.F. Lin. Also in attendance were Secretary-General Daniel Kuo-Ching Chen of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and Director General Greg Lee of the Taipei Cultural and Economic Office in Geneva.
President Han first extended a sincere welcome to the distinguished guests on behalf of the Legislative Yuan and joined the attending legislators in taking a commemorative group photo with the guests. In his remarks, President Han noted that the Legislative Yuan is a unicameral legislature composed of 113 legislators, each bearing the important responsibility of serving the people. President Han then introduced the cross-party legislators present, demonstrating the Legislative Yuan’s high regard for the visiting envoys of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies to UN institutions. He expressed gratitude for the long-standing support of Taiwan’s allies, who have spoken out for Taiwan in the United Nations and related international forums. President Han also commended their courage in standing firm despite international challenges and for consistently supporting Taiwan’s rightful place and interests in the global community.
President Han further stated that Taiwan possesses strong internal momentum and creativity, adding that although its land area accounts for only 0.03% of the world and its population 0.3%, Taiwan contributes 3% of global industrial output. He also noted that in key sectors such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, and semiconductors, Taiwan has nurtured numerous “hidden champions,” demonstrating extraordinary international competitiveness and potential for sustainable development. He expressed the hope that Taiwan’s allies will continue to speak up for Taiwan in the UN system, to garner more international support and recognition, and to work together in defending the core values of democracy, freedom, and sustainability.
Ambassador Calí Tzay, head of the delegation and Permanent Representative of Guatemala to the United Nations, thanked President Han and the cross-party legislators for receiving them despite their busy schedules. He said it was a great honor to visit the Legislative Yuan and expressed his deep appreciation for President Han’s remarks. Ambassador Calí Tzay went on to note that the countries represented by the delegation have long maintained strong diplomatic ties with Taiwan, sharing universal values such as freedom, democracy, and human rights. He said that these countries have continued to work alongside Taiwan in the UN arena, acting as a force for good in the international community in addressing global challenges that are increasingly complex. Ambassador Calí Tzay also shared his observations during this visit, praising Taiwan’s outstanding degree of innovation, robust economic strength, and well-developed and high-quality healthcare system. He stated that Taiwan’s allies will continue to deepen cooperation with Taiwan in fields such as public health, agriculture, women’s empowerment, and education, further strengthening bilateral relations. Ambassador Calí Tzay emphasized that the main purpose of this visit was to obtain first-hand information about Taiwan in order to strengthen the arguments made in support of the country within the UN system. He pledged to work closely with other allies to continue voicing support for Taiwan in the UN and its specialized agencies, to help Taiwan participate in international organizations, and to expand its international presence.
The luncheon commenced after a gift exchange. During the luncheon, President Han and the attending legislators engaged in discussions with the delegates on a wide range of topics, including Taiwan’s resilience in the face of natural disasters, public health and medical development, information security, artificial intelligence, Austronesian exchanges, agricultural cooperation, climate change, and industrial achievements. The reception and luncheon lasted about one and a half hours in a relaxed and cordial atmosphere, with both sides greatly enjoying the occasion and bringing the day’s meeting to a successful conclusion.
President Han first extended a sincere welcome to the distinguished guests on behalf of the Legislative Yuan and joined the attending legislators in taking a commemorative group photo with the guests. In his remarks, President Han noted that the Legislative Yuan is a unicameral legislature composed of 113 legislators, each bearing the important responsibility of serving the people. President Han then introduced the cross-party legislators present, demonstrating the Legislative Yuan’s high regard for the visiting envoys of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies to UN institutions. He expressed gratitude for the long-standing support of Taiwan’s allies, who have spoken out for Taiwan in the United Nations and related international forums. President Han also commended their courage in standing firm despite international challenges and for consistently supporting Taiwan’s rightful place and interests in the global community.
President Han further stated that Taiwan possesses strong internal momentum and creativity, adding that although its land area accounts for only 0.03% of the world and its population 0.3%, Taiwan contributes 3% of global industrial output. He also noted that in key sectors such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, and semiconductors, Taiwan has nurtured numerous “hidden champions,” demonstrating extraordinary international competitiveness and potential for sustainable development. He expressed the hope that Taiwan’s allies will continue to speak up for Taiwan in the UN system, to garner more international support and recognition, and to work together in defending the core values of democracy, freedom, and sustainability.
Ambassador Calí Tzay, head of the delegation and Permanent Representative of Guatemala to the United Nations, thanked President Han and the cross-party legislators for receiving them despite their busy schedules. He said it was a great honor to visit the Legislative Yuan and expressed his deep appreciation for President Han’s remarks. Ambassador Calí Tzay went on to note that the countries represented by the delegation have long maintained strong diplomatic ties with Taiwan, sharing universal values such as freedom, democracy, and human rights. He said that these countries have continued to work alongside Taiwan in the UN arena, acting as a force for good in the international community in addressing global challenges that are increasingly complex. Ambassador Calí Tzay also shared his observations during this visit, praising Taiwan’s outstanding degree of innovation, robust economic strength, and well-developed and high-quality healthcare system. He stated that Taiwan’s allies will continue to deepen cooperation with Taiwan in fields such as public health, agriculture, women’s empowerment, and education, further strengthening bilateral relations. Ambassador Calí Tzay emphasized that the main purpose of this visit was to obtain first-hand information about Taiwan in order to strengthen the arguments made in support of the country within the UN system. He pledged to work closely with other allies to continue voicing support for Taiwan in the UN and its specialized agencies, to help Taiwan participate in international organizations, and to expand its international presence.
The luncheon commenced after a gift exchange. During the luncheon, President Han and the attending legislators engaged in discussions with the delegates on a wide range of topics, including Taiwan’s resilience in the face of natural disasters, public health and medical development, information security, artificial intelligence, Austronesian exchanges, agricultural cooperation, climate change, and industrial achievements. The reception and luncheon lasted about one and a half hours in a relaxed and cordial atmosphere, with both sides greatly enjoying the occasion and bringing the day’s meeting to a successful conclusion.