Sister Maria Mutata Piergianni, a 74-year-old Italy-born nun, was issued her Republic of China (Taiwan) citizenship card June 19 at a ceremony in northern Taiwan’s Hsinchu City in recognition of her contributions to the nation for more than half a century.

The Young Agricultural Ambassadors New Southbound Policy Exchange Program was launched June 20 in Taipei City as part of government efforts boosting cooperation in agriculture and talent exchanges between Taiwan and the countries covered by the policy.

The torch relay for the upcoming 2017 Taipei Summer Universiade—the largest global sporting event ever staged in Taiwan—is set to get underway June 20 with a special ceremony in the Italian city of Turin.

Taipei, June 18 (CNA) Taiwan's government is working to simplify procedures to naturalize foreign citizens based on meritorious service that will shorten the process from the current two months to about 10 days, Ministry of the Interior (MOI) officials said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed June 16 a vote by members of the U.S. House of Representatives to advance a bill aimed at encouraging high-level visits between the two sides.

U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce June 15 urged all countries to act to include Taiwan in international organizations, adding that such support is needed in light of new challenges faced by the nation resulting from changes in cross-strait and global dynamics.

Taiwan retained top spot for the second year running among 94 surveyed countries in the latest Global Open Data Index published June 15 by U.K.-based Open Knowledge International.

The biggest-ever delegation from Taiwan is set to attend the fourth edition of SelectUSA Investment Summit June 18-20 in Washington, ensuring the country enjoys full access to the array of U.S. economic opportunities on offer at the event.

The Republic of China has terminated diplomatic relations with the Republic of Panama with immediate effect June 13, in order to uphold the sovereignty and dignity of the nation. The ROC will close its embassy in Panama, recall its technical mission, and end all bilateral cooperation and aid programs. The ROC government expresses indignation and deep regret over Panama's unilateral decision to sever diplomatic relations with the ROC and establish ties with the authorities in Beijing.

Efforts by the Republic of China (Taiwan) in assisting its diplomatic allies through medical aid reflect the country’s soft power and commitment to advancing global health, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs June 13.