On the afternoon of October 8, Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜) received an eleven-member delegation from the Swedish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Association (STPA). Also in attendance were KMT Legislators Adm. Chen Yeong-Kang and Dr. Lin Chien-Chi, DPP Legislator Dr. Lin Yueh-Chin, TPP Legislator Lin Kuo-Chen, and Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amb. François Chihchung Wu.
President Han opened the meeting by extending a warm welcome to the delegation, thanking them for attending the ROC National Day celebrations and receiving them sincerely on behalf of the Legislative Yuan and the people of Taiwan. He noted that with nearly 70 members, the STPA is the largest and most active pro-Taiwan group in the Swedish Parliament (the Riksdag), representing one fifth of the parliament and playing a significant part in promoting Taiwan-Swedish relations.
He also stated that Sweden is a Nordic innovation powerhouse and home to numerous world-renowned brands such as IKEA, H&M, and Volvo, showcasing the nation's exceptional prowess in innovation and design. He also shared a humorous anecdote from his college days, recalling how the first song played at every dance was always ABBA’s classic “Dancing Queen.” These memories, he noted, have left him with a lasting sense of warmth and affinity toward Sweden.
President Han stressed that out of the 113 legislators of the Legislative Yuan, the legislators attending today’s event each represented one of the three major party caucuses, underscoring the cross-party importance placed on Taiwan-Sweden relations. He expressed hope that both sides will continue to deepen bilateral exchanges and cooperation to create a new era of mutual benefit and prosperity.
MP Alexandra Anstrell, head of the delegation, thanked President Han and the legislators for taking the time to meet with the delegates. Echoing President Han’s fondness for ABBA, she added that she would personally invite him to visit ABBA The Museum should he have the opportunity to travel to Sweden. She mentioned that Taiwan and Sweden, with shared principles of an open market and compliance with international rules, should work jointly to safeguard democracy and maintain regional security and stability in the face of global market changes and geopolitical challenges. MP Anstrell further remarked that the Russia-Ukraine war has impacted the world order, both in Europe and globally, and that the inclusion of Sweden and Finland into NATO reflects the importance of collective defense. She added that she looked forward to more exchanges with Taiwan in areas such as democratic governance and national defense policies.
During the discussion, Legislator Chen pointed out that amidst rapidly shifting global dynamics, Taiwan and Sweden should strengthen the exchange of experience in addressing threats from China and Russia. He further expressed hope for deeper cooperation in high-tech and education, working together to bolster democratic resilience and national competitiveness.
Legislator Lin Yueh-Chin spoke highly of Sweden’s achievements in safeguarding the rights of children and adolescents. She noted that Sweden's nationwide ban on corporal punishment since 1979 and its 480-day parental leave system serve as exemplary models for Taiwan to draw upon in its social welfare policies.
Legislator Lin Kuo-Chen expressed a desire to exchange ideas with the delegation on global trade, tariffs, and the Russia-Ukraine war, believing this would be conducive to bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding between the two countries. In response, the delegation acknowledged that the Russia-Ukraine war and tariff changes have impacted Sweden, citing rising energy prices and a disrupted supply chain, and mentioning that better national defense and trade strategies would be required to address these challenges.
Legislator Lin Chien-Chi recalled her visit to Sweden last month, during which she engaged in discussions with several Swedish MPs. She shared similar ideas with her Swedish counterparts in education, culture, and marine sustainability, and she looked forward to more opportunities for future cooperation with Sweden.
The legislators and delegates went on to discuss a wide range of issues, including digital development; climate change; regional security; relations between China, Russia, USA, Taiwan, and Korea; gender equality; marine security; trade tariffs; child welfare; energy resilience; submarine cables; and countering disinformation and misinformation. The meeting lasted about an hour in a cordial atmosphere with lively interactions. After the exchange of commemorative gifts and group photographs, the delegation visited the chamber, guided by KMT Legislators Dr. Lin Chien‑Chi, Dr. Lin Pei‑Hsiang, and Chang Chih‑Lun, bringing the event to a successful conclusion.
