Parliamentary diplomacy plays a key role in advancing Taiwan’s foreign policy and strengthening relations with like-minded countries, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu Nov. 14.
 
Regular exchanges among local and foreign lawmakers are establishing robust partnerships between the Legislature and corresponding bodies around the world, Wu said.
 
By spotlighting the country’s free and open society and development experiences, this approach contributes to expanding Taiwan’s international space as well as promoting the national interest and well-being of the people, he added.
 
Wu made the remarks while introducing Legislative Yuan President Su Jia-chyuan before the latter delivered a speech on Taiwan’s recent parliamentary diplomacy achievements at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei City.
 
According to Su, since he took over as head of the Legislature in February 2016, it has received 751 delegations from 106 countries and territories. The number of parliamentary friendship groups has also increased to 71 from 48 as of Aug. 20, he added.
 
Noting that he has also led bipartisan legislative delegations on diplomatic missions to Europe, Japan and the U.S., the speaker said that such visits help foster equal treatment for Taiwan in the global arena.
 
Going forward, Su said the Legislature will continue working with the MOFA and related agencies to formulate more effective parliamentary diplomacy strategies so as to enhance the nation’s foreign relations and international participation. (SFC-E)

Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw