TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Thursday (July 11) met military officers from mostly Spanish-speaking countries attending a special study program at the National Defense University.
The courses symbolized the close cooperation on security and military affairs between Taiwan and friendly countries, Lai said. Taiwan would continue to improve its defense capabilities to protect regional peace and stability in collaboration with democratic nations, he added.
While some of the officers came from Taiwan’s official diplomatic allies, such as Guatemala, Paraguay, and Belize, there were also senior military and police officers from Spain, Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Ecuador, Radio Taiwan International reported. Previous attendees included leaders from Paraguay, Ecuador, Saint Lucia, and Nauru.
The 2024 edition of the Spanish-language study program will feature six lectures, visits to government departments, and tours of military bases. Receiving the participants at the Presidential Office Thursday, Lai emphasized that as head of state and commander of the Armed Forces, it was his responsibility to protect the safety of the public.