TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) received a Japanese trade and culture delegation on Monday, highlighting the strong ties between Taiwan and Japan.

The delegation included Japanese Senator Kitamura Tsuneo and Yamaguchi Prefecture Governor Muraoka Tsugumasa, per a press release. Hsiao described the long-standing relationship between Taiwan and Yamaguchi as a model of Taiwan-Japan friendship, per CNA.

She noted that Yamaguchi is the hometown and political stronghold of the late former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, who dedicated his career to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific. His vision laid the foundation for Taiwan and Japan’s shared commitment to regional peace and stability, she said.

Hsiao recalled that in 2015, before former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) took office, they visited Yamaguchi Prefecture together, including a stop at the Hitachi manufacturing plant in Kudamatsu City. At the time, as a legislator, she advocated for transportation development in eastern Taiwan, including the procurement of EMU3000 trains produced at the facility.

She thanked Kitamura, Muraoka, and the delegation for their efforts in strengthening Taiwan-Japan relations, emphasizing the importance of both central and local government cooperation.