TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — John Dennis, the new representative of the British Office in Taipei (BOT), has assumed his post, according to an announcement on Monday (Jan. 11).

“I arrive at an exciting point in the relationship, with the UK looking to strengthen further its relationships in the Asia Pacific region,” said Dennis. He pledged to develop ties with Taiwan by “building on our already powerful links in trade and investment, science and innovation, climate change, education and on shared values.”

The representative, who arrived in December, also praised Taiwan’s coronavirus response as outstanding and globally recognized. Dennis is a career diplomat who has previously worked on Asian, African, and commercial affairs for the Foreign Office.

He was the British Ambassador to Angola from 2014 to 2018 and has also been posted to China, India, and Malaysia.

The British representative had a “productive and rewarding meeting” with Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) on Monday, according to Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry. The two discussed was of further deepening friendship and expanding exchanges, the ministry said via Twitter.

Minister Wu held a productive & rewarding meeting with @JohnDennisFCO. He welcomed the new head of @UKinTaiwan to #Taiwan