TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) welcomed a delegation from the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group on Monday.
Lin presented the Friendship Diplomacy Medal to French lawmaker and delegation leader Marie-Noelle Battistel in recognition of her longstanding contributions to strengthening Taiwan-France ties, according to the foreign ministry. The foreign minister said he looked forward to working with her and other visiting lawmakers to expand broader exchanges and cooperation and contribute to global peace and prosperity.
Lin thanked the French government and both houses of parliament for supporting Taiwan and defending Taiwan’s democracy and regional peace through actions such as multiple naval transits through the Taiwan Strait and the passage of multiple Taiwan-friendly resolutions.
Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu (吳志中) hosted a banquet for Battistel and the delegation Monday evening. Wu said he was pleased to see Taiwan and France continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation across various fields in recent years.
He pointed out that France has expanded its influence in Taiwan through cultural and educational institutions, including the French Office in Taipei and French international schools in Taipei and Kaohsiung.
Wu said that Taiwan plays a key role in the global semiconductor industry and supply chains. He added that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is directly tied to France’s national interests.
Democratic countries must not allow major powers to determine the future unilaterally and should work together to strengthen democratic resilience, he said.
Battistel said the delegation’s visit was intended to demonstrate support for Taiwan. Amid dramatic geopolitical changes, Taiwan and France must work together to defend their shared values, she said.
Battistel pledged continued support for Taiwan’s international participation and Taiwanese people’s right to self-determination.
