TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) on Thursday met with a visiting Finnish delegation, urging stronger ties.

Han welcomed the cross-party group at the Legislative Yuan, highlighting Taiwan’s economic strength beyond semiconductors, per CNA. He added that direct flights would significantly enhance trade and educational cooperation.

Han said Taiwan’s “internal vitality” includes globally competitive traditional industries, along with strengths in healthcare and tourism. He added that these qualities are often overlooked despite Taiwan’s strong economic performance.

The delegation was led by Mats Lofstrom, chair of the Finland–Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, who said Taiwan and Finland share many similarities. He noted the group includes members from both ruling and opposition parties.

Lofstrom said the delegation had met with major airlines earlier in the day to help accelerate the launch of direct flights between Taipei and Helsinki. He added that Taiwanese tourism to Finland has grown rapidly in recent years and that direct routes would further strengthen exchanges.

Lofstrom said relations between Taiwan and Finland are built on shared values such as democracy, freedom, and human rights. He added that while chips are important, face-to-face interactions are key to deepening bilateral ties.