TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu (吳志中) hosted a luncheon on Thursday to welcome a delegation of six Spanish lawmakers led by Congress of Deputies member Mikel Legarda Uriarte.

Wu said that Taiwan and Spain have seen bilateral trade and economic relations grow steadily in recent years, per a foreign ministry press release. He hoped the two countries would expand cooperation in key industries such as semiconductors, renewable energy, and information and communications technology.

Legarda praised Taiwan’s democratic achievements. He said Spain has much to learn from Taiwan, including how it has leveraged its technological strength and geopolitical position to protect democracy from authoritarian threats. 

The visiting lawmakers come from regions including the Basque Country and the Canary Islands, Legarda said.  The delegation hopes the visit will help expand bilateral cooperation across more areas.

On Thursday, the group met with Legislative Deputy Speaker Johnny Chiang (江啟臣), who accompanied them on a tour of the Cycling Culture Museum in Taichung, per CNA. 

During their stay in Taiwan, the lawmakers will hold talks with National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Lin Fei-fan (林非凡), the International Trade Administration, and the National Science and Technology Council. They will also visit the Hsinchu Science Park.