TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked the Belgium Federal Government on Thursday for adopting “pro-Taiwan” language.  

The ministry noted that Belgium’s coalition government of five political parties took office on Jan. 3 and announced its coalition government agreement on Feb. 11. The ministry said this was the first time such an agreement had highlighted the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.

The statement on Taiwan read as follows: 

"We stress the importance of peace, stability, and the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, where it is crucial to respect internationally recognized borders and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea."

It added that Belgium seeks to conclude investment agreements with countries in the region.

MOFA said this marks the first time a Belgian government has included “pro-Taiwan language” in a coalition government agreement. The ministry said it was grateful for this development and congratulated Belgium’s new Prime Minister, Bart De Wever, who assumed office on Feb. 3. 

Taiwan intends to further improve friendly relations and foster deeper ties between the peoples of both countries based on shared values, said MOFA.