游院長接見立陶宛國會友好訪問團馬瑪竇主席一行 113.1.30. (國際處 035)

游錫堃：感謝立陶宛對台灣總統大選的關心 將持續強化民主同盟的合作交流與友好情誼

YOU Si-kun: Thankful to Lithuania for watching closely on Taiwan’s presidential election and will continue to strength cooperation, exchanges and cordial relations with democratic allies.

游錫堃院長今(26)日上午在本院陳培瑜委員、謝衣鳯委員、張其祿委員、陳椒華委員、林志嘉秘書長、周雅淑顧問、國際事務處林晨富處長、外交部謝武樵政務次長、外交部歐洲司黃鈞耀司長及立陶宛貿易代表處盧思融代表等人陪同下，接見並宴請立陶宛國會友好訪問團馬瑪竇(Hon. Matas Maldeikis)主席一行11人。

Accompanied by Legislators Chen Pei-yu, Hsieh Yi-fong, Jang Chyi-lu, and Chen Jiau-hua, Secretary General Lin Jih-jia, Consultant Chou Ya-shu, International Affairs Department Director Calvin C.F. Lin, Deputy Foreign Minister Kelly Wu-Chiao Hsieh, European Affairs Department Director General Eric Huang, Lithuanian Representative to Taiwan Paulius Lukauskas, President YOU Si-kun met and hosted a luncheon in honor of the 11-member delegation of Taiwan Friendship Group from the Republic of Lithuania led by Chairman Matas Maldeikis on the morning of January 26.

游院長首先代表台灣國會歡迎馬瑪竇主席、米塔拉斯副議長、莫谷娜副議長、薩巴塔斯副議長及其他重要貴賓，此次是繼去(2023)年10月下旬希米利特議長訪台三個月後，短時間內再度蒞臨台灣的重量級國會議員團，顯見立陶宛對台立關係之重視。院長並提及曾於2022年7月率團訪問立國，受到立國國會的熱情款待，內心十分感動，今有幸在台灣與老朋友重逢，倍感親切。

First of all, President YOU welcomed Chairman Matas Maldeikis, Deputy Speakers Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė, Vytautas Mitalas and Julius Sabatauskas on behalf of Taiwan’s legislature. This heavy weight delegation is another Lithuanian delegation shortly after the visit of Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen in October last year, showing their attachment of great importance to Taiwan. President YOU referred to the visit in July 2022 when he led a delegation to Lithuania, and was warmly welcomed by the members of Seimas, which really touched his heart. Therefore, he was especially delighted to see so many old friends again.

院長續謂，立陶宛是台灣最重要的友邦之一，雙方在國際間的仗義相挺與彼此支持已勝過一切言語，同時感謝立陶宛總是以最具體的行動來表達台立間真摯的友情，如在疫情肆虐期間對台提供當時急需的疫苗、成為全球第一個與中華人民共和國有邦交卻以台灣為名設立代表處的國家、退出「中國—中東歐國家合作」（17+1）機制及一帶一路計畫、挺住中國無理的貿易制裁及外交施壓等。台立間的合作也展現在人道援助上，近期雙方的合作計畫成功讓1,000名以上，從幼稚園到12年級的烏克蘭學生重返校園，顯示台立雙方合作可以為世界帶來更多良善的力量。

President YOU continued to state that Lithuania is one of the most important allies of Taiwan. The mutual support rendered by both sides to each other in the international community is beyond the description of any words. President YOU thanked Lithuania for demonstrating true friendship with concrete actions. For example, during the pandemic, Lithuania provided Taiwan with much needed vaccines. Lithuania marks the first diplomatic ally of the People’s Republic of China to allow Taiwan to set up representative office. Lithuania withdrew from Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (17+1) mechanism and One Belt and One Road Initiative. Lithuania withered China’s irrational trade sanction and diplomatic repression. All of these instances show our friendship. In addition, Taiwan and Lithuania also demonstrate joint efforts in humanitarian assistance. For example, we successfully allow more than 1000 Ukraine students from kindergarten to 12 grades to return to school, showing that our cooperation is a force of good for the world.

院長接著感謝訪團不遠千里來到台灣，與我國分享完成民主選舉的喜悅。今(2024)年是全球超級選舉年，包括立國在內，全球共有76個國家，超過42億人參與投票，台灣是第2個投票的國家。巧合的是，台灣的投票日訂於1月13日，正是立國的「自由捍衛者日」(Freedom Defenders Day)，以悼念1991年因蘇聯鎮壓而喪生的立陶宛受難者，提醒人們自由是如何得來不易。

President YOU thanked the delegation for traveling from afar to Taiwan to share the joy of smooth completion of democratic election. This year is a super election year. Seventy six countries including the United States with more than 4.2 billion people will be voting. Taiwan marks the second country to vote. Coincidentally, Taiwan’s election day January 13 is the Freedom Defenders Day of Lithuania in memory of those who lost their lives in resisting former Soviet Unions repression in 1991. It is also a Memorial Day to remind the us that we cannot take hard-earned freedom for granted.

院長提及在這個為民主奮鬥的日子裡，台灣人民用超過7成的投票率向世界傳達了明確的訊息，台灣選擇堅定捍衛民主自由及國家主權，並將持續為自由、民主、人權與法治的普世價值奮鬥。今年5月及10月，立國也即將舉行總統大選及國會選舉，院長亦預祝立國選舉順利圓滿。

President YOU stated that on this Memorial Day for fighting for freedom, the people of Taiwan sends a clear message to the entire world with more than 70% of turn out rate that we chose to firmly defend democracy, freedom and national sovereignty. We will continue to fight for the universal values of freedom, democracy, human rights and rule of law. In May and October, Lithuania is going to hold presidential and parliamentary elections, he wished Lithuania a great success.

院長續表示，選舉是民主體制中關鍵的制度，代表「選擇的可能」、「參政的自由」及「言論的保障」，這些都是威權統治下的人民難以享受的權利。威權國家正在打擊民主、破壞國際秩序，從香港反送中、阿富汗新政權、緬甸軍政府復辟到俄羅斯入侵烏克蘭，都是血淚斑斑的例證。尤其去年3月23日普習會，習近平與普丁更達成「共同推動百年變局」的共識，他們要改變既有國際秩序的企圖昭然若揭，民主同盟的我們有必要警覺與防範。

President YOU continued to state that electoral system is one of the most valuable systems in democracy. It represents the possibility of choice, the freedom to participate in politics and the protection of free speech. All these rights that are impossible of the people under the authoritarian rule. However, authoritarian regimes are attacking democracy and disrupting international order. Hong Kong’s anti-extradition bill protests, the new Afghan administration, the military Junta government of Myanmar and Russian aggression of Ukraine are horrible instances. However, in the Putin-Xi meeting held on March 23, 2023 they reached a consensus to promote a “profound change never seen in a century.” Their attempt to change the existing order is evident. As democratic alliance, we need to raise awareness and take preventive measures.

院長復謂，長久以來中國在國際上不斷聲稱「台灣是中國不可分割的一部分」，事實上根據國際法，台灣、澎湖不屬於中國，而且台灣過去從未被中華人民共和國統治過，台灣與中國互不隸屬，台灣絕非中國的一部分，台灣與中國一邊一國是鐵錚錚的事實。中國卻罔顧事實，屢屢在台灣海峽製造事端，恫嚇與軍事威脅台灣，造成印太乃至全球局勢的緊張。

President YOU continued to state that for a long time, China has claimed that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.” As a matter of fact, in accordance with international law, Taiwan and Penghu do not belong to China. Taiwan has never been ruled by the People’s Republic of China. Taiwan and China are not subject to each other. Taiwan is by no means part of China. It is an ironclad fact that Taiwan and China are one county on each side of the Strait. However, China distorts the fact and continues to cause trouble in the Taiwan Strait by intimidating and threatening Taiwan with the use of force to causes tension of the Indo-Pacific and even the entire world.

院長語重心長地說，台灣不是中共的終極目的地。中共政權的本質承襲「天無二日，土無二王」及「普天之下莫非王土，率土之濱莫非王臣」的中國傳統政治思想，它的目標是「東昇西降」、稱霸全球，台灣只是它遂行野心的踏腳石而已。如果不阻擋中國的野心及擴張，不僅是台灣，中國的威脅很快就會來到每個國家的門前，沒有人可以置身事外。院長期許訪賓與我國一起攜手面對威權的挑戰，深信藉由兩國堅定攜手守護全世界的民主與繁榮，民主自由的花朵將生生不息地綻放。

President YOU continued to point out that Taiwan is not CCP’s ultimate destination. CCP political nature can be summarized as “There cannot be two suns in the sky, nor two emperors on the earth,” and “All land under heaven belongs to the King, and all people on the shores are subjects of the King.” Its goal is to see rise of the East and decline of the West. CCP wants to be global hegemony. Taiwan is its steppingstone to realize its ambition. If we do not stop its ambition and expansion, not only Taiwan but also the entire world will be threatened by China in the near future. No one can sit idle aside. President YOU hoped to work hand in hand to face the threats of the authoritarianism. I am convinced that as long as we work together to safeguard global democracy and prosperity, the flowers of democracy and freedom will continue to flourish.

接續由訪團團長馬瑪竇主席致詞，渠首先恭賀此次台灣的總統暨立法委員選舉圓滿成功，維繫自由民主的體制就是靠政府單位的互相合作，而此次台灣的選舉成功，顯示台灣已是成熟的民主政體。馬瑪竇主席續稱，院長一肩扛起推動國會運作的重大責任，卻仍可輕鬆的談笑自若，甚至與眾人分享詩詞創作，不曾展現一絲疲憊，讓渠既羨慕又忌妒，院長的臉孔正代表著台灣民主奮鬥不懈的精神。過去三年台立國會合作交流愉快，而此僅是一個開端，因為立國也屬於歐盟的大家庭，未來將基於雙方既有的合作基礎，持續推動提升至與歐洲議會的合作。

In his remarks, Chairman Matas Maldeikis congratulated Taiwan’s successful presidential and legislative elections. He stated the core of freedom and democracy is the mutual cooperation of institutions. The success of Taiwan’s successful elections showed that Taiwan is a full-fledged democracy. He continued to state that President YOU shoulders such a heavy responsibility, yet he always has a smile on his face and share poems with everyone. He really envied President YOU for always being so relaxing and poised. Chairman Maldeikis stated that the face of President YOU represents Taiwan’s spirit of fight for democracy. Over the past three years, the two parliaments have enjoyed cordial cooperation. As he said, this is just a beginning. Since Lithuania also belongs to the EU big family, based on the existing cooperation, he suggested that the future cooperation will be further enhanced to that with the European Parliament.

莫谷娜副議長致詞時表示，感謝台灣熱情的歡迎與友誼，此次來訪像是回到家鄉一樣溫暖，並回應2022年院長率團訪立，當時與院長的互動彷彿昨日一樣歷歷在目。莫谷娜副議長亦呼應院長致詞時提及台灣在安全議題上面對鄰國的挑戰，立國也面對來自俄羅斯的威脅，並認同院長所言，兩國民主政體應繼續強化合作，挺身而出捍衛自由，以立國人民在1993年1月13日「自由捍衛者日」所展現對自由民主的渴望，遏止對自由民主的侵略。伊並表示身為國會歐洲事務委員會主席，將致力降低風險，確保促進經濟成長的同時，各產業所需的材料也供應無虞，並期許兩國國會未來有更頻繁的交流互動，促進彼此情誼。

In her remarks, Deputy Speakers Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė thanked Taiwan’s warm welcome and friendship. She felt like coming home. She recalled vividly about President YOU’s visit to Lithuania in 2022, she felt it was just like yesterday. She echoed President YOU’s urge on the awareness of Taiwan’s security challenges from big neighbor. Lithuania also faces threats from Russia. She agreed with what President YOU stated that the two democracies should strengthen cooperation to stand up for freedom. On the Freedom Defenders Day of January 13, 1993, the yearning for freedom and democracy by the people of Lithuania stopped the aggression to freedom and democracy. As the chair of European Affairs Committee, she will commit herself to derisking to ensure economic growth as well as the supply of critical materials. She hoped that both parliaments will have more exchanges and engagements to promote friendship.

院長於午宴致乾杯詞時再度提及2022年率團訪問立國時的心得，提及當時國會議長希米利特親自迎接，使渠不僅印象深刻，亦深受感動。馬瑪竇主席亦在席間預祝台灣的新國會能夠持續為台灣的人民發聲，為台灣人民創造更美好的未來。雙方賓客於席間就台灣選舉結果、國會性別比例、台灣於中國經濟制裁立陶宛時伸出援手等議題廣泛交換意見，瓦林斯卡議員特別提到此次來台參訪了「白色恐怖景美紀念園區」，園區的導覽員即為當年受迫害的當事人，令渠體會台灣與立陶宛在爭取民主自由奮鬥的過程中均曾遭受極權壓迫，格外有感。

Before proposing a toast, President YOU once again mentioned about his trip to Lithuania in 2022. He was impressed and touched by Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen’s warm welcome to him and the delegation. During the luncheon, Chairman Matas Maldeikis wished Taiwan’s new legislature will continue to voice for the people of Taiwan to create a better future for the people of Taiwan. Both sides exchanged views on the results of Taiwan’s elections, gender ratio in the new legislature, Taiwan’s assistance to Lithuania when it faced China’s economic sanctions. Head of the Group for Inter-Parliamentary Relations with Japan Arunas Valinskas mentioned about their visit to Jing-Mei White Terror Memorial Park. The tour guide himself was the victim of the persecuted by the authoritarian regime, making them impressed by the same struggles of both Taiwan and Lithuania when fighting for democracy and freedom.

此次立陶宛來訪成員中有三位1月份壽星，分別是莫谷娜副議長、瑞克費雪議員及游奈提副主席，院長特別準備了立陶宛的「樹蛋糕」(Tree Cake)與訪賓共享，這個來自立陶宛的傳統甜點象徵著祝福與團聚，現場嘉賓亦以英語、立陶宛語及中文三種語言齊聲高唱生日快樂歌，為三位壽星獻上祝福，午宴歷時約2小時，現場在溫馨歡樂的氣氛下圓滿結束。

Three members of the delegation were born in January. They are Deputy Speaker Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė, Seimas Human Rights Committee Chairman Tomas Raskevicius, and Budget Committee Vice Chairman Liudas Jonaitis. President YOU prepared the well-known Lithuanian tree cake to share with the guests. It symbolized blessing and union. The happy birthday songs was sung in English, Lithuanian and Mandarin to wish them happy birthday. The luncheon concluded in a warm and joyful atmosphere after two hours. (E)