TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) led a delegation of 20 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturers and developers to Belgium, the first stop on a weeklong European visit.
The trip is intended to help Taiwanese businesses network with European partners to strengthen technology exchange and bolster the drone supply chain. On Monday (Nov. 18), Lin and the delegation visited the Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC), a major European semiconductor R&D center, receiving a briefing from CEO Luc Van den hove, per CNA.
Lin’s itinerary also took him to the European Parliament, which is located in Brussels, Belgium, on Wednesday (Nov. 20). Lin’s visit comes following a similar visit by former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Oct. 17.
Rasa Jukneviciene, a member of the European Parliament who once served as Lithuania’s minister of defense, posted a message on social media regarding Lin's visit. "Many good words have been said about cooperation, and both parties understand the importance of cooperation," Jukneviciene said.
While Taiwan and Lithuania are seeking closer ties, several challenges have arisen. For example, Teltonika high-tech park construction has been suspended due to power and land appropriation issues, potentially affecting cooperation with a Taiwan semiconductor company.
A meeting between Lithuania Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte and Teltonika President Arvydas Paukstys took place on Monday (Nov. 18). Following the meeting, there was consensus to resolve the power and land issues with the high-tech park construction now expected to be delayed by two to three years.
“Initially planned for completion by 2028, we now hope to finish by 2032 at the latest, assuming no further obstacles arise,” said Paukstys, per CNA.
Another challenge to Taiwan-Lithuania relations is public comments to restore diplomatic relations with China by soon-to-be Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas.
Paluckas has publicly stated he has no plans to meet Lin during his visit to Lithuania. European media is paying close attention to Taiwan-Lithuania relations as Lin’s European trip will conclude on Sunday (Nov. 24).
