TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang (江啟臣) met with a delegation from the Hawaii-based East-West Center on Tuesday.

The delegation comprises senior journalists in the center’s Jefferson Fellowship Program and is led by program director Steven Youngblood, CNA reported.

In a speech, Chiang praised the East-West Center as one of the world’s top think tanks. The center has long promoted dialogue in the region, especially concerning peace, security, and economic issues, he said. He hoped the center’s role would continue to benefit the region and the world.

The deputy legislative speaker said the delegation's visit to the Legislative Yuan was fitting, as it is where elected representatives can offer quick insights into Taiwan's political landscape, foreign relations, cross-strait relations, and economic security and national security. He emphasized that legislators would be eager to engage in in-depth discussions with the visiting delegation.

Youngblood said that the East-West Center aims to strengthen relationships between countries in the Indo-Pacific. He noted that through numerous educational programs and alumni initiatives, the center connects individuals and supports dynamic research projects, which includes the Jefferson Fellowship Program.

Youngblood acknowledged the deep and fruitful exchanges between Taiwan and the East-West Center, saying that many Taiwanese alumni now are in top positions, such as government officials and ambassadors. He pointed out that Lai Ching-te (賴清德) recently delivered a speech at the center two weeks ago.