Foreign Minister Wu meets Italian Senate delegation

2023/06/21

Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu hosted a banquet for a delegation from the Italian Senate June 19 in Taipei City, reaffirming commitment to deepening ties with the EU member state.
 
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the group is led by Senate Vice President Gian Marco Centinaio and includes MP Elena Murelli. The former is the highest-ranking member of the Italian Parliament to visit Taiwan since the Taipei Representative Office in Italy was established in 1991.
 
Wu thanked the Italy-Taiwan friendship group for its continuing work in promoting bilateral ties, including the passage of three resolutions last year calling on its government to keep following developments in the Indo-Pacific and the Taiwan Strait, as well as supporting Taiwan’s global participation.
 
Despite the vast geographical distance between them, Taiwan and Europe are closely bound by shared concerns, the minister said. With the launch of direct flights connecting Taipei and Milan in 2022 and the planned office in Milan, exchanges will see further expansion, he said.
 
It is hoped that more Italian visitors will make the trip to Taiwan and experience the country’s diverse cultures, Wu added.
 
In response, Centinaio said his visit has been a fruitful one as he has met many officials with whom he discussed the possibility of further expanding bilateral cooperation. Taiwan is not just a democratic partner but also a good friend of Italy, he said, adding that he will be happy to serve as an ambassador for tourism to Taiwan when he is back home.
 
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “Minister Wu held a banquet for visiting @SenatoStampa MPs @giamma71 & @MurelliElena! The like-minded friends discussed how strong ties & wide-ranging cooperation between #Taiwan & #Italy can advance their growing number of shared interests & promote #IndoPacific stability.” 


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