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VP Lai lauds robust Taiwan-Australia ties
2020-12-17

Vice President Lai Ching-te (right) receives Gary Cowan, outgoing head of the Australian Office Taipei, Dec. 16 at the Presidential Office. (Courtesy of PO)

Vice President Lai Ching-te (right) receives Gary Cowan, outgoing head of the Australian Office Taipei, Dec. 16 at the Presidential Office. (Courtesy of PO)

 

Taiwan-Australia ties are going from strength to strength on the back of close cooperation in an array of areas benefiting the people of both sides, Vice President Lai Ching-te said Dec. 16.


Agriculture, biotechnology, energy, and information and communication technology are just some of the potential-laden fields in which Taiwan and Australia are seeing solid progress, Lai said. At the same time, the support of the like-minded partner for the country’s meaningful participation in international organizations is sincerely appreciated, he added.


Lai made the remarks while receiving Gary Cowan, outgoing head of the Australian Office Taipei, at the Presidential Office.


According to Lai, he discussed numerous Indo-Pacific strategic issues with Cowan while serving as premier from 2017 to 2019. This dialogue continued after taking office as vice president in May, he said, adding that they largely centered on ways of expanding bilateral economic, cultural and trade exchanges.


Lai also took the opportunity to praise Australia for its commitment to upholding the shared values of freedom, democracy and human rights, as well as defending its national dignity. As a front-line state facing the rising the tide of authoritarianism, Taiwan will keep working with Australia in promoting peace, prosperity and stability throughout the region, he said.


Australia is one of 18 countries targeted under the New Southbound Policy. A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP seeks to deepen Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, and Australia and New Zealand. (YCH-E)