February 17, 2019
No.036
At the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Chairman of the European Parliament-Taiwan Friendship Group (EPTFG) Werner Langen will lead a seven-member delegation, comprising Members of the European Parliament and staff, to Taiwan from February 17 to 22. MOFA warmly welcomes the delegation’s visit.
The delegation members include MEP Bas Belder from the European Conservatives and Reformists Group; MEP Eduard Kukan and MEP Cristian Dan Preda, both members of the European People’s Party Group; and Dr. Georg Jarzembowski, Honorary Chairman of the EPTFG. Over the years, the delegates have closely followed Taiwan and cross-strait issues and championed the advancement of Taiwan-EU relations.
During their stay in Taiwan, the delegation members will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen and Legislative Yuan President Su Jia-chyuan. They will also call at the National Security Council, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mainland Affairs Council, European Economic and Trade Office, and political party headquarters. In addition, arrangements have been made for the delegation to visit the National Palace Museum, Gogoro Taiwan Ltd., and other places of interest.
During their trip, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu will confer the Friendship Medal of Diplomacy upon MEP Belder, MEP Kukan, and MEP Preda. Chairman Langen will also receive an honorary doctorate in political science from Soochow University and deliver a speech on Taiwan-EU relations.
The European Parliament has passed numerous resolutions supporting Taiwan in recent years. For example, MEP Belder submitted a resolution adopted in September concerning the state of EU-China relations. Another was adopted on December 12 regarding the Annual Report on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy. Both resolutions expressed concerns over peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, encouraged cross-strait dialogue, and reiterated support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
On January 30, the European Parliament discussed the latest developments in cross-strait relations. During the debate, MEPs across political groups denounced China’s intention to resolve the cross-strait issue through force. They also urged China to recognize the fact of the existence of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and to respect the right of the people of Taiwan to determine their own future. The MEPs also asked the European Commission to take concrete actions in support of Taiwan.
This delegation led by Chairman Langen further confirms the European Parliament’s friendship and support for Taiwan. Looking ahead, the two sides will continue to deepen bilateral exchanges on the basis of their existing framework.(E)