President Tsai, MOFA congratulate Malaysia on general election

2018/05/14

President Tsai Ing-wen congratulated May 11 newly sworn-in Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad following a landmark election in which the opposition Pakatan Harapan coalition won a parliamentary majority for the first time.
 
 Complimenting the people of Malaysia for a historic and peaceful vote, Tsai wrote on her official Twitter account that the government looks forward to working with the Southeast Asian nation to promote regional stability and prosperity in line with the New Southbound Policy.
 
 A key plank in Taiwan’s national development strategy, the policy seeks to bolster agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.
 
 The previous day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed similar sentiments in congratulating Malaysia. This first transition of power between political parties since the country achieved independence 61 years ago highlights the Malaysian people’s commitment to democracy, the MOFA said.
 
 According to the ministry, the two sides enjoy close and friendly relations as evidenced by growing exchanges in fields spanning culture, economics, education, and science and technology.
 
 Malaysia was the top source of both visitors and foreign students in Taiwan among ASEAN member states last year, the MOFA said, adding that it was also the country’s seventh largest trading partner, with total volume reaching US$17.55 billion in 2017.
 
 The government will continue working to enhance these robust ties under the New Southbound Policy and strengthen cooperation in safeguarding regional peace and stability, the MOFA said.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=2&post=134173)