Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu (third left) is joined by Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang (second left) and NGO representatives at a reception hosted by MOFA March 26 in Taipei City. (MOFA)
 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu met with over 160 representatives of nongovernmental organizations at a tea reception March 26 at Taipei Guest House in the capital, pledging to continue boosting domestic NGOs’ international participation.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attendees from home and abroad shared their exchange experience and results of long-term cooperation at the event themed “Necessary, Growing, Outstanding.”

Speaking at the reception, Wu expressed his appreciation to NGOs for continuing to demonstrate unity, resilience and excellence in the face of rapid political and economic changes. The organizations have helped turn Taiwan into a bastion of democracy, freedom, human rights and gender equality, as well as a medical pioneer and model for sustainable development, he said.

Taiwan has successfully attracted a number of internationally renowned NGOs to set up local branches, reflecting the vibrancy and diversity of the country’s civil society, Wu added.

The MOFA will continue encouraging domestic NGOs to participate in the international community while promoting people-to-people diplomacy through international youth ambassadors and NGO talent training programs, the minister said, adding that this will further enhance the quality, quantity and visibility of Taiwan’s NGOs. (POC-E)