On the morning of September 16, Legislative Yuan Deputy Secretary General Dr. Chang Yu-Jung (張裕榮), representing Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜), received a seven-member delegation from the Taiwan-Israel Parliamentary Group. He was accompanied by KMT Legislator Adm. Chen Yeong-Kang and DPP Legislator Dr. Wang Ting-Yu. Also in attendance were Representative Maya Yaron of the Israel Economic and Cultural Office (ISECO) in Taipei, Director Kevin C.F. Lin of the Department of International Affairs, and Deputy Director-General Chen Yung-Po of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of West Asian and African Affairs.

At the beginning of the meeting, Deputy Secretary General Chang, on behalf of the Legislative Yuan and President Han, extended a warm welcome to Chair Boaz Toporovsky and his delegation, which was followed by a group photo with the attending legislators and guests. Legislators Wang and Chen then delivered opening remarks. Legislator Wang warmly welcomed the delegation’s visit from afar and remarked that despite the difficult international circumstances both Taiwan and Israel face, the two nations share universal values such as democracy and freedom. He expressed hope that Taiwan and Israel would overcome geographical distance, strengthen mutual visits and exchanges, and promote cooperation across various fields to achieve win-win outcomes and enhance the well-being of their peoples. Legislator Chen noted that he had visited Israel three times in the past and was deeply impressed by the country. He added that both Taiwan and Israel are facing rapid global changes and many challenges. Israel has cultivated numerous world-class professionals, and he hoped that both sides could continue to learn from each other to create a better future for the next generation.

In his remarks, Deputy Secretary General Chang stated that as the nation’s sole central legislative body, the Legislative Yuan reflects the will of the people and exercises its authority on their behalf. He added that the current Legislative Yuan consists of 113 members from diverse political parties, regions, and ethnic groups, including at-large representatives elected by proportional representation and representatives of Indigenous peoples, highlighting that this system is designed to ensure that Taiwan’s pluralistic voices are fully represented in the legislature.

Deputy Secretary General Chang went on to note that debates and deliberations in the Legislative Yuan are often marked by lively exchanges of opinion, which are at the heart of democracy. Through the party caucuses negotiation mechanism, lawmakers from across party lines can seek consensus while respecting minority views and ensuring effective parliamentary operation—an embodiment of Taiwan’s vibrant party politics. He emphasized that Taiwan’s democratic journey over the past three decades has not been without challenges, yet the nation remains steadfast in upholding the values of pluralism, consensus-building, and reform. He expressed his sincere hope that through such exchanges, Taiwan and Israel would continue to share experiences and deepen bilateral cooperation.

Chair Boaz Toporovsky, head of the Taiwan-Israel Parliamentary Group, began his remarks by thanking Taiwan for its steadfast support of Israel. He noted that this was his third visit to Taiwan, and that the friendliness and warmth of the Taiwanese people had deeply touched him and his delegation. He mentioned that Israel remains in a state of war, and since the Hamas terrorist attacks in October 2023, Taiwan has demonstrated moral courage by expressing concern and support from the very beginning—actions that have enabled the Israeli government and people to feel the deep friendship between the two nations. To demonstrate the Knesset’s strong support for Taiwan, Chair Toporovsky presented a joint statement signed by 72 cross-party members of the Knesset, explicitly affirming their support for Taiwan’s participation in the international community. Deputy Secretary General Chang accepted the statement on behalf of the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and expressed heartfelt gratitude, noting that it fully reflected the deep friendship between the two legislatures, and voicing hope for greater cooperation across various fields in the future.

During the subsequent discussion, delegation members invited Deputy Secretary General Chang and the legislators to visit Israel at a suitable time and encouraged more Taiwanese to experience Israel’s rich tourism resources and unique cultural heritage. Both sides also exchanged views on a wide range of topics, including the political and economic situations in Taiwan and Israel, the promotion of bilateral investment, technological innovation, agricultural product supply, and academic and cultural exchanges. The meeting lasted about 60 minutes in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. It concluded with the exchange of commemorative gifts and a group photo, marking a successful and fruitful conclusion to the visit.