Taiwan-Japan maritime cooperation dialogue wraps up in Taipei
2017/12/25
A Taiwan-Japan meeting on maritime affairs concluded Dec. 20 at the Grand Hotel in Taipei City, advancing mutual understanding and highlighting opportunities for collaboration on a wide range of issues such as fisheries, scientific research and rescue operations.
Over the course of the two-day dialogue, both sides agreed to expand cooperation in the management of small tuna-fishing vessels as well as eel conservation and fisheries, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In addition, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on search and rescue operations.
The agreement was inked by Chiou I-jen, head of Taiwan-Japan Relations Association, and Mitsuo Ohashi, chairman of Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, on behalf of their respective sides. Under the pact, the Republic of China (Taiwan) Coast Guard Administration and Japan Coast Guard will exchange information and assist each other during search and rescue efforts.
Speaking at a news conference after the meeting, Chiou said the signing of the memorandum will help foster closer Taiwan-Japan ties. He added that they will continue to strengthen cooperation in areas such as maritime law enforcement.
Ohashi said the accord indicates the two sides are moving in the right direction by building a deeper connection on marine issues. He added that further dialogues will be held on the basis of mutual assistance and trust.
Taiwan and Japan have yet to come to an agreement regarding fishing rights in the waters surrounding Okinotori in the Western Pacific. The MOFA said both sides have agreed to continue discussions on the topic on the basis of maintaining safe fishing operations and safeguarding fishery resources.
The second edition of the annual maritime meeting was held in accordance with a Taiwan-Japan marine cooperation dialogue mechanism established last year. The first edition was staged in October 2016 in Tokyo.
Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=2&post=126934)
