TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) welcomed the new Philippine Representative to Taiwan Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil on Monday (Oct. 7).

Lin congratulated Garafil on her new role and said the Philippines is an important like-minded partner for Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said. He hoped to continue deeper in fields, such as trade, agriculture, and healthcare. Garafil said she was honored to be posted in Taiwan and pledged to strengthen cooperation and promote more people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

Taiwan is the Philippines' eighth-largest export market and ninth-largest trading partner, according to MOFA. Additionally, Taiwan is the Philippines' ninth largest source of foreign direct investment. The ministry reaffirmed Taiwan's commitment to enhancing cooperation with the Philippines under its "comprehensive diplomacy," which focuses on values and trade.

Last month, a 50-member special rescue team from the Philippines and Taiwanese counterparts held a special training program at the Taiwan Fire Academy in Zhushan Township in Nantou. The program aimed to bolster firefighting cooperation and improve the Philippines' emergency response and disaster preparedness capabilities.