The MOFA expressed thanks Jan. 12 for messages of congratulations and support received from over 60 countries and organizations following Taiwan’s 2020 presidential and legislative elections. (MOFA)
 

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation Jan. 12 for messages of congratulations and support from the country’s diplomatic allies and like-minded partners including the U.S., Japan and EU following the 2020 presidential and legislative elections.
 
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was among the notable well-wishers. “The U.S. congratulates Dr. Tsai Ing-wen on her re-election in Taiwan’s presidential election. Taiwan once again demonstrates the strength of its robust democratic system. Thank you President Tsai for your leadership in developing a strong U.S. partnership,” he said.
 
Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi also congratulated President Tsai on her re-election, and said Japan looks forward to further deepening bilateral relations based on the two nations’ shared values and close economic relationship.
 
More messages of support came from Taiwan’s European partners. The European Parliament Taiwan Friendship Group said the successful election was testament to the strength of the nation’s democracy and showed the determination of its people to uphold their way of life free from foreign intimidation and interference.
 
U.K. Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Dominic Raab also offered his congratulations, praising the elections as clear evidence of Taiwan’s vibrant democracy.
 
Leaders and representatives from Taiwan’s diplomatic allies were some of the first to send messages of congratulations. These include King Mswati III and Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini of Eswatini, Palau President Tommy Remengesau, Nauru President Lionel Aingimea, Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano, Marshall Islands Foreign Minister Casten Nemra, Paraguay President Mario Abdo Benitez, Guatemala President Jimmy Morales and President-elect Alejandro Giammattei, Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernandez, Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Haiti President Jovenel Moise, Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Timothy Harris, St. Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves.
 
Numerous other countries and groups also praised the election as a significant moment for democracy, including officials from Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Ireland, Kuwait, Lithuania, Latvia, Mexico, Mongolia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe, Slovakia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Venezuela, Turkey and Vietnam, as well as the European External Action Service, European Parliament, Central American Integration System and Central American Parliament. (RAY-E)