MOFA welcomes arrival of French senate delegation

2021/10/07

The arrival of a French Senate delegation led by Alain Richard, chair of the legislative body’s Taiwan Friendship Group, is sincerely welcomed by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Oct. 6.
 
Also comprising Sens. Max Brisson; Else Joseph; Olivier Cadic, president of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces Committee; and Judith Bout, secretary of the friendship group, the delegation is in country until Oct. 10. Members will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen, Premier Su Tseng-chang, Legislative Yuan President You Si-kun, Control Yuan President Chen Chu and Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu.
 
In addition, the delegation will call on the Mainland Affairs Council, Ministries of Economic Affairs and Health and Welfare, and tour facilities such as Shawan History and Culture Park in the northern port city of Keelung.
 
The MOFA said discussions will center on issues like ongoing bilateral cooperation and exchanges, post-pandemic recovery, regional security and ways of deepening the partnership for mutual benefits.
 
According to the ministry, Richard is a rock-solid friend of the country who has made extensive contributions to enhancing Taiwan-France relations since becoming chair of the friendship group in 2015. This is his third visit to Taiwan following trips in 2015 and 2018.
 
One high-profile example of Richard’s support is a resolution adopted by the Senate in May backing Taiwan’s international participation—the first pro-Taiwan bill passed by the legislative body to date.
 
The visit symbolizes Richard’s strong support for Taiwan and commitment to defending freedom and democracy, the MOFA said, adding that the people are deeply touched by this show of friendship in the face of China’s intimidation.
 
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “Deputy Minister Tseng extended the warmest of welcomes to the delegation from the #France-#Taiwan Friendship Group of the French @Senat. We wish Alain Richard, @Max_Brisson, @ElseJoseph, @OlivierCadic & Judith Bout a rewarding visit aimed at taking 2-way ties to new heights.”


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