Peace and human rights, including freedom of religion, are cornerstones of the democratic, multicultural society of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the government will continue to promote these universal values at home and abroad, according to Vice President Chen Chien-jen Nov. 17.
 
Taiwan welcomes and incorporates peoples of all faiths, Chen said. The country will remain a strong proponent of cooperation and discussions among religions toward achieving an altruistic and compassionate global society, he added.
 
Chen made the comments while receiving Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, at the Office of the President in Taipei City. The meeting came at the conclusion of Tauran’s four-day visit to the country to attend the sixth Buddhist-Christian Colloquium in New Taipei City.
 
Themed Buddhists and Christians Walking Together on the Path of Nonviolence, the Nov. 13-16 seminar was hosted by Ling Jiou Mountain Buddhist Society in cooperation with Taipei-based Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference and PCID. It featured keynote speeches, interfaith dialogues, prayer and meditation sessions and meetings on future opportunities for exchanges.
 
According to Chen, the colloquium is a template for the resolution of regional and global issues through efforts to foster goodwill and inclusiveness, maintain communication and seek common ground. Such strategies are the foundation of the ROC government’s approach to tackling disputes, he said.
 
The vice president also took the opportunity to express appreciation to Pope Francis for extending warm greetings last month to President Tsai Ing-wen and the people of the nation through a note verbale conveyed by the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Taipei.
 
Highlighting the pope’s message of encouraging the country to continue promoting the values of peace and solidarity, Chen said that the government is committed to working closely with ROC diplomatic ally the Holy See in advancing these shared values around the world.
 
The ROC has maintained strong ties with the Holy See since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1942. The nations enjoy close collaboration across a broad spectrum of areas spanning culture, education and humanitarian aid. (CPY-E)
 
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