TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan and Europe should deepen cooperation to support democracy, prosperity, and security despite growing global challenges, Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu (吳志中) said Thursday.
Speaking at a welcome reception for parliamentary staff visiting Taiwan, Wu said closer ties with Europe are becoming increasingly important. The foreign ministry said the delegation includes representatives from 12 European countries and will be in the country until Aug. 21.
Wu said Taiwan has maintained peace and stability despite repeated international tensions in recent years. He added the country's economy grew by nearly 14% in the first quarter and its stock market had become the world's fifth largest by market capitalization.
Wu said the success of the country's semiconductor industry depends on long-term cooperation with Europe. He highlighted particularly close semiconductor partnerships and supply chain links with the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Belgium.
Delegation leader Matej Stevove said the delegates are from different countries and backgrounds but share commitments to democracy and the rule of law. He said Europe should work more closely with Taiwan as authoritarian countries expand their influence and use economic pressure to challenge the international order.
Stevove also praised Taiwan's development and said it showed the resilience of a democratic society. He said he hoped the program would further strengthen exchanges and partnerships.
