TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi (陳明祺) praised Taiwan-Ireland ties during a meeting Friday with Irish Senator Garret Ahearn, vice chair of the Irish Parliament's Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Ahearn led an eight-member delegation to Taiwan, per the foreign ministry.

Chen thanked the Irish Parliament for its continued bipartisan support and key role in advancing Taiwan-Ireland relations. Through resolutions and parliamentary inquiries, Irish lawmakers have supported peace in the Taiwan Strait and democratic Taiwan, he said.

Chen expressed hope that Irish lawmakers would continue supporting Taiwan and speaking up on its behalf. He added that both Taiwan and Ireland are global high-tech hubs and should deepen cooperation in trade, communications, and advanced technology to strengthen global supply chain resilience.

Ahearn said he hoped bilateral relations would continue to deepen. Upon returning to Ireland, the delegation plans to promote exchanges in technology, trade, education, and artificial intelligence, and to support Taiwan's international participation.

During their stay, the delegation met with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), Legislative Yuan Vice President Johnny Chiang (江啟臣), Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Council Lii Wen (李問), and other officials.

They also exchanged views with Taiwanese think tank scholars on issues such as countering disinformation, cyberattacks, and Indo-Pacific regional security.