TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) praised the close ties between Taiwan and Japan on Wednesday.
During a meeting with Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chair Sumi Shuzo, Lai said the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association and the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association have played vital roles in facilitating bilateral exchanges, according to the Presidential Office. Taiwan and Japan have overcome various challenges to sign more than 100 memorandums of understanding across fields such as trade, culture, tourism, education, and sports, Lai said.
The president noted that Sumi has been a prominent figure in the Japanese business community for many years and has extensive experience and foresight. He expressed hope that Sumi’s influence would help Taiwan and Japan deepen cooperation, per the Presidential Office.
Lai also thanked the Japanese government for its consistent emphasis on peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Sumi said that since his last visit in December, Taiwan-Japan relations have continued to deepen. The two countries have convened several important meetings, including the Taiwan-Japan Economic Partnership Committee and the Taiwan-Japan Fisheries Committee, reaching multiple agreements, according to the Presidential Office.
Exchanges and mutual visits between parliamentarians have become increasingly frequent, Sumi added.
The chair said he believes partnerships based on shared values are becoming more important than ever. He vowed to continue deepening the partnership between Taiwan and Japan.
