MOFA lauds success of Czech Republic Senate president’s Taiwan visit

2020/09/07

The historic visit to Taiwan by Czech Republic Senate President Milos Vystrcil has been a complete success, paving the way for greater cooperation with the Central European country in terms of democratic values, industrial supply chains, and trade and artistic exchanges, according to Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu Sept. 3.
 
 In a press conference at Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Taipei City, Wu said the visit exemplified the spirit of late Czech Republic President Vaclav Havel, who was renowned for his devotion to freedom and democracy, adding that Taiwan will continue to stand by its like-minded partner.
 
 Also at the event, Legislative Yuan President You Si-kun said Vystrcil’s speech at the Legislature underscored his support for Taiwan, winning respect from all corners of society and clearly demonstrating his commitment to democracy.
 
 In response, Vystrcil said the visit has greatly enhanced Taiwan-Czech ties. He pointed to three areas where notable progress has been made, the first being in the development of substantive bilateral relations, including trade, investment, research and education, medicine and public health, which he said he would bring up with the responsible senate committees on his return home; the second was that the visit highlighted the importance of the values of freedom and democracy; and the third was that it will promote further cooperation under the framework of a shared value for democracy.
 
 According to the MOFA, the two sides have concluded three memoranda of understanding agreeing to strengthen supply chains while cooperating on artificial intelligence and Internet of Things, the green economy, innovative industries and disease prevention, as well as banking and tourism.
 
 Regarding further cultural, educational and technological exchanges, the ministry said several pacts between tertiary and research institutions in the Czech Republic and Taiwan were concluded during the visit. Plans are also being formulated for the Prague Philharmonia to tour Taiwan next year and Taipei-based National Palace Museum to stage an exhibition in the Czech Republic, among other initiatives, it added.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)