院長出席「2025福爾摩沙俱樂部臺北年會交流酒會」(Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han attends the Formosa Club Annual Conference 2025 Taipei - Reception)
韓國瑜：民主需要朋友，自由需要夥伴
President Han: Democracy thrives with friends, and freedom flourishes with partners.
立法院韓國瑜院長本（10月27）日晚間應邀出席「2025福爾摩沙俱樂部臺北年會交流酒會」，總計有歐洲議會及18國、共42位歐洲議員與會，現場出席貴賓包括江啟臣副院長、國民黨柯志恩委員、陳永康委員、民進黨林楚茵委員、郭昱晴委員、吳沛憶委員、外交部吳志中政務次長，以及多國駐臺使節代表及外交界人士等嘉賓共襄盛舉，場面隆重。
On the evening of October 27, Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜) attended Formosa Club Annual Conference 2025 Taipei - Reception at the invitation of the organizers. The grand event was graced by the participation of 42 members of the European Parliament from 18 European countries. Distinguished guests in attendance included Legislative Yuan Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang (江啓臣), KMT legislators Dr. Ko Chih-En and Adm. Chen Yeong-Kang, DPP legislators Lin Chu-Yin, Kuo Yu-Ching, and Wu Pei-Yi, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amb. François Chihchung Wu, along with ambassadors, representatives, and dignitaries from the diplomatic community in Taiwan.
酒會於年會主席開場致詞後，繼邀韓院長上臺致詞。院長表示，很榮幸代表立法院出席「2025福爾摩沙俱樂部臺北年會交流酒會」，今日大家齊聚一堂，為堅持一份信念：「民主需要朋友，自由需要夥伴」。臺灣與歐洲雖地理距離遙遠、人口土地規模懸殊，但因著對「民主的信念」以及對「自由的熱愛」，從而跨越物理上的差距，成為真摯的朋友。
Following the opening remarks by the Chair of the Annual Conference, President Han was invited to the stage to deliver a speech. President Han remarked that it was a great honor to represent the Legislative Yuan at the Formosa Club Annual Conference 2025 Taipei - Reception. He noted that today’s gathering embodied our profound conviction that, “democracy thrives with friends, and freedom flourishes with partners.” He stressed that Taiwan and Europe are separated by great geographical distance and differ significantly in population and territory, but our common belief in democracy and our shared love for freedom have enabled us to transcend physical boundaries and forge a genuine friendship.
韓院長接著表示，自2019年福爾摩沙俱樂部成立以來，歐洲友人始終與臺灣並肩同行，透過通過決議案、公開為臺灣發聲等各種具體的行動，堅定支持臺灣的國際參與，捍衛臺海和平，他對此深表感謝。院長指出，當前國際局勢動盪，烏俄戰爭延宕未止、中東狀況不穩、印太地緣政治局勢緊張，更讓我們體認到，臺灣與歐洲命運相連。面對與日俱增的挑戰和威脅，臺灣將繼續強化自我防衛能力，也盼歐洲民主夥伴能給予臺灣最大的支持，協助守護臺灣民主的制度與生活方式，維護臺海及印太區域的和平與穩定。
President Han went on to mention that since the founding of the Formosa Club in 2019, our European friends have consistently stood side by side with Taiwan, and that through concrete actions such as adopting resolutions and openly voicing support of Taiwan, they have steadfastly supported Taiwan’s international participation and safeguarded peace across the Taiwan Strait, for which he expressed his profound gratitude. President Han pointed out that in the midst of the current turbulent global dynamics, marked by the protracted war between Russia and Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and heightened geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, we are reminded more than ever that the destinies of Taiwan and Europe are closely intertwined. He affirmed that in the face of mounting challenges and threats, Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities, and expressed hope that Taiwan’s democratic partners in Europe will extend their fullest support to help safeguard Taiwan’s democratic institutions and way of life, and to uphold peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.
韓院長續謂，近年來，臺歐的經貿交流與產業合作蓬勃發展。歐盟是臺灣第4大貿易夥伴，雙邊年度貿易額已達700億美元；在投資方面，歐盟是臺灣最大的外資來源，近5年臺灣對歐洲的投資，也超越過去40年，他相信未來臺歐的各項產業都將會更加緊密連結。
President Han added that in recent years, economic and trade exchanges as well as industrial collaboration between Taiwan and Europe have flourished. He mentioned the EU is Taiwan’s fourth-largest trading partner, with annual bilateral trade amounting to US$70 billion. He highlighted that in terms of investment, the EU is Taiwan’s largest source of foreign capital, and that over the past five years, Taiwan’s investment in Europe has exceeded the cumulative total of the previous forty years. President Han expressed his confidence that in the future, industries across Taiwan and Europe will be even more closely interconnected.
院長特別強調，臺灣為單一國會制，立法院有113位委員，負責制定法案與重大政策，每一位委員都非常重要。他自2024年上任以來，就致力結合跨黨派力量推動國會外交工作，截至目前為止已接待了108個歐洲訪團、將近750位歐洲訪賓；江副院長亦於今年9月率跨黨派的代表團訪問愛爾蘭、英國、荷蘭及捷克等國，身體力行深化臺歐友誼。
He reiterated that Taiwan has a unicameral parliamentary system, and that the Legislative Yuan consists of 113 legislators entrusted with the responsibility of drafting laws and shaping major policies, underscoring the essential role of every legislator. He emphasized that since assuming office in 2024, he has been devoted to uniting cross-party legislators in advancing parliamentary diplomacy, and to date he has received 108 European delegations and nearly 750 European visitors. He noted that in September of this year, Vice President Chiang led a cross-party delegation to Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic, thereby taking concrete actions to deepen the friendship between Taiwan and Europe.
院長最後表示，古諺有云：「遠親不如近鄰」，雖然位處遙遠的東亞，臺灣卻對歐洲感到非常親切，臺灣人也對歐洲有著很好的印象，期望未來臺歐間能多來多往，成為彼此好朋友，並祝在場各位貴賓好友繁榮昌盛、事業順利、平安。
In conclusion, President Han invoked an old saying: “A neighbor nearby is better than a relative far away.” He stated that although Taiwan is situated in East Asia, it has a strong sense of affinity toward Europe, and the people of Taiwan hold Europe in high regard. He expressed hope that Taiwan and Europe will continue to strengthen exchanges and become good friends, while extending his wishes of prosperity, success, and peace to all the distinguished guests attending the event.
外交部吳志中政務次長接續上臺致詞後，主辦單位邀請全體與會嘉賓共同舉杯祝賀並合影留念，酒會隨後展開。韓院長、江副院長及出席委員與貴賓熱絡交流，氣氛溫馨、洋溢著友好與祝賀情誼，活動歷約2小時圓滿結束。
Following the address delivered by MOFA Deputy Minister Wu, the organizers invited the guests to raise their glasses in celebration and to join in a commemorative group photo, after which the reception formally commenced. President Han, Vice President Chiang, the legislators, and the guests engaged in lively interactions in a warm and amicable setting, marked by friendship and celebration. The event lasted for about two hours and came to a successful close.
President Han: Democracy thrives with friends, and freedom flourishes with partners.
立法院韓國瑜院長本（10月27）日晚間應邀出席「2025福爾摩沙俱樂部臺北年會交流酒會」，總計有歐洲議會及18國、共42位歐洲議員與會，現場出席貴賓包括江啟臣副院長、國民黨柯志恩委員、陳永康委員、民進黨林楚茵委員、郭昱晴委員、吳沛憶委員、外交部吳志中政務次長，以及多國駐臺使節代表及外交界人士等嘉賓共襄盛舉，場面隆重。
On the evening of October 27, Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜) attended Formosa Club Annual Conference 2025 Taipei - Reception at the invitation of the organizers. The grand event was graced by the participation of 42 members of the European Parliament from 18 European countries. Distinguished guests in attendance included Legislative Yuan Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang (江啓臣), KMT legislators Dr. Ko Chih-En and Adm. Chen Yeong-Kang, DPP legislators Lin Chu-Yin, Kuo Yu-Ching, and Wu Pei-Yi, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amb. François Chihchung Wu, along with ambassadors, representatives, and dignitaries from the diplomatic community in Taiwan.
酒會於年會主席開場致詞後，繼邀韓院長上臺致詞。院長表示，很榮幸代表立法院出席「2025福爾摩沙俱樂部臺北年會交流酒會」，今日大家齊聚一堂，為堅持一份信念：「民主需要朋友，自由需要夥伴」。臺灣與歐洲雖地理距離遙遠、人口土地規模懸殊，但因著對「民主的信念」以及對「自由的熱愛」，從而跨越物理上的差距，成為真摯的朋友。
Following the opening remarks by the Chair of the Annual Conference, President Han was invited to the stage to deliver a speech. President Han remarked that it was a great honor to represent the Legislative Yuan at the Formosa Club Annual Conference 2025 Taipei - Reception. He noted that today’s gathering embodied our profound conviction that, “democracy thrives with friends, and freedom flourishes with partners.” He stressed that Taiwan and Europe are separated by great geographical distance and differ significantly in population and territory, but our common belief in democracy and our shared love for freedom have enabled us to transcend physical boundaries and forge a genuine friendship.
韓院長接著表示，自2019年福爾摩沙俱樂部成立以來，歐洲友人始終與臺灣並肩同行，透過通過決議案、公開為臺灣發聲等各種具體的行動，堅定支持臺灣的國際參與，捍衛臺海和平，他對此深表感謝。院長指出，當前國際局勢動盪，烏俄戰爭延宕未止、中東狀況不穩、印太地緣政治局勢緊張，更讓我們體認到，臺灣與歐洲命運相連。面對與日俱增的挑戰和威脅，臺灣將繼續強化自我防衛能力，也盼歐洲民主夥伴能給予臺灣最大的支持，協助守護臺灣民主的制度與生活方式，維護臺海及印太區域的和平與穩定。
President Han went on to mention that since the founding of the Formosa Club in 2019, our European friends have consistently stood side by side with Taiwan, and that through concrete actions such as adopting resolutions and openly voicing support of Taiwan, they have steadfastly supported Taiwan’s international participation and safeguarded peace across the Taiwan Strait, for which he expressed his profound gratitude. President Han pointed out that in the midst of the current turbulent global dynamics, marked by the protracted war between Russia and Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and heightened geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, we are reminded more than ever that the destinies of Taiwan and Europe are closely intertwined. He affirmed that in the face of mounting challenges and threats, Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities, and expressed hope that Taiwan’s democratic partners in Europe will extend their fullest support to help safeguard Taiwan’s democratic institutions and way of life, and to uphold peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.
韓院長續謂，近年來，臺歐的經貿交流與產業合作蓬勃發展。歐盟是臺灣第4大貿易夥伴，雙邊年度貿易額已達700億美元；在投資方面，歐盟是臺灣最大的外資來源，近5年臺灣對歐洲的投資，也超越過去40年，他相信未來臺歐的各項產業都將會更加緊密連結。
President Han added that in recent years, economic and trade exchanges as well as industrial collaboration between Taiwan and Europe have flourished. He mentioned the EU is Taiwan’s fourth-largest trading partner, with annual bilateral trade amounting to US$70 billion. He highlighted that in terms of investment, the EU is Taiwan’s largest source of foreign capital, and that over the past five years, Taiwan’s investment in Europe has exceeded the cumulative total of the previous forty years. President Han expressed his confidence that in the future, industries across Taiwan and Europe will be even more closely interconnected.
院長特別強調，臺灣為單一國會制，立法院有113位委員，負責制定法案與重大政策，每一位委員都非常重要。他自2024年上任以來，就致力結合跨黨派力量推動國會外交工作，截至目前為止已接待了108個歐洲訪團、將近750位歐洲訪賓；江副院長亦於今年9月率跨黨派的代表團訪問愛爾蘭、英國、荷蘭及捷克等國，身體力行深化臺歐友誼。
He reiterated that Taiwan has a unicameral parliamentary system, and that the Legislative Yuan consists of 113 legislators entrusted with the responsibility of drafting laws and shaping major policies, underscoring the essential role of every legislator. He emphasized that since assuming office in 2024, he has been devoted to uniting cross-party legislators in advancing parliamentary diplomacy, and to date he has received 108 European delegations and nearly 750 European visitors. He noted that in September of this year, Vice President Chiang led a cross-party delegation to Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic, thereby taking concrete actions to deepen the friendship between Taiwan and Europe.
院長最後表示，古諺有云：「遠親不如近鄰」，雖然位處遙遠的東亞，臺灣卻對歐洲感到非常親切，臺灣人也對歐洲有著很好的印象，期望未來臺歐間能多來多往，成為彼此好朋友，並祝在場各位貴賓好友繁榮昌盛、事業順利、平安。
In conclusion, President Han invoked an old saying: “A neighbor nearby is better than a relative far away.” He stated that although Taiwan is situated in East Asia, it has a strong sense of affinity toward Europe, and the people of Taiwan hold Europe in high regard. He expressed hope that Taiwan and Europe will continue to strengthen exchanges and become good friends, while extending his wishes of prosperity, success, and peace to all the distinguished guests attending the event.
外交部吳志中政務次長接續上臺致詞後，主辦單位邀請全體與會嘉賓共同舉杯祝賀並合影留念，酒會隨後展開。韓院長、江副院長及出席委員與貴賓熱絡交流，氣氛溫馨、洋溢著友好與祝賀情誼，活動歷約2小時圓滿結束。
Following the address delivered by MOFA Deputy Minister Wu, the organizers invited the guests to raise their glasses in celebration and to join in a commemorative group photo, after which the reception formally commenced. President Han, Vice President Chiang, the legislators, and the guests engaged in lively interactions in a warm and amicable setting, marked by friendship and celebration. The event lasted for about two hours and came to a successful close.