Mosaic Taiwan 2015 gets underway in Taipei

2015/06/16

The second edition of international youth leadership program Mosaic Taiwan kicked off June 15 in Taipei City, bringing together 30 young students and professionals from top tertiary institutions in Canada and the U.S.

Running June 15 to July 3, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiative serves as an outstanding exchange platform for participants to learn more about Taiwan’s culture, diplomacy, economy and society from local counterparts. Activities include seminars, workshops and visits with representatives of the academic, private and public sectors, as well as trips to Hualien, Kinmen, Taichung, Taipei and Yilan.

“Open dialogue between the youth leaders of Taiwan and North America plays a crucial role in enhancing the development of respective societies and deepening bilateral relations,” MOFA Minister David Lin said during the launch ceremony.

“Based on our shared values of democracy, freedom, peace and human rights, Taiwan’s ties with Canada and the U.S. have flourished over the years, paving the way for enhanced partnerships across diverse sectors.”

Significant headway made in this regard, Lin said, includes Taiwan’s admission to the U.S. visa-waiver program in 2012; resumption of economic talks under the bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement in 2013; and cooperation on providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid worldwide, as seen in last year’s joint efforts to fight the Ebola epidemic in Africa.

“This program underscores our commitment to taking ties with Canada and the U.S. to the next level and, at the same time, securing greater support from our North American partners for the country’s bid to join regional integration initiatives such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership,” he added.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=231493&ctNode=413)