Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang (front, fifth left) is joined by members of a delegation from the Australian Institute of International Affairs’ Victoria branch led by Rowan Callick (front, center), vice chair of the Australia-Taiwan Business Council, at a luncheon in their honor April 16 in Taipei City. (MOFA)
 

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Chung-kwang hosted a luncheon for a delegation from the Australian Institute of International Affairs’ Victoria branch April 16 in Taipei City, expressing hope that Australia will support Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Taiwan and Australia are key partners that value freedom, democracy and human rights, Tien said. The bilateral relationship has continued to develop in recent years, with two-way investment and people-to-people exchanges steadily growing, he added.

Australia’s frequent support for Taiwan on the global stage is deeply appreciated, the deputy minister said, urging the two countries to jointly defend universal values and safeguard the rules-based international order.

In response, Rowan Callick, the group’s leader and vice chair of the New South Wales-based Australia-Taiwan Business Council, said the two sides enjoy close cooperation in areas spanning culture, economy, education, energy, investment and trade. The current visit is expected to further boost the like-minded partners’ mutual understanding and collaboration, he added.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participants also discussed issues including sports, tourism, water rescue and the cultivation of technological expertise during the event. (YCH-E)