TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday welcomed a delegation of Japanese House of Councilors lawmakers visiting Taiwan for three days.

The delegation, which arrived Monday, is led by Takinami Hirofumi and includes Takinami Shiori, Kobayashi Kazuhiro, Suzuki Daichi, and Miyamoto Kazuhiro, the ministry said. The lawmakers are part of the House of Councillors’ “TY Group,” one of multiple pro-Taiwan groups within the upper chamber.

The ministry said Takinami Hirofumi and former councilor Yoshikawa Yumi established the group, which has come to symbolize friendship with Taiwan.

During their stay, the lawmakers will meet with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). They will also hold talks with Su Jia-chyuan (蘇嘉全), chair of the Taiwan–Japan Relations Association, and New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi (侯友宜).

Takinami Hirofumi has advocated closer Taiwan–Japan relations and has repeatedly spoken up for Taiwan, the ministry said.

The delegation is part of more than 30 Japanese legislators visiting Taiwan, according to the ministry. Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hagiuda Koichi arrived on Sunday for a three-day trip, while former Justice Minister Suzuki Keisuke also landed in Taiwan on Monday for a three-day visit.