Premier Wu eyes expanded Taiwan-Europe ties

By Elaine Hou

Taiwan will capitalize on improved relations with countries throughout Europe to strengthen exchanges in commerce, trade and culture, according to ROC Premier Wu Den-yih June 14.

“This spirit of cooperation has created an environment in which Taiwan can look forward to signing economic pacts with European nations and advance bilateral ties,” Wu said.

The premier made the remarks while receiving Hans van Baalen, vice chairman of the European Parliament-Taiwan Friendship Group, in Taipei. Baalen is on a four-day visit to Taiwan that wraps up June 16.

Wu took the opportunity to exchange views with Baalen on cross-strait relations.

“Since President Ma Ying-jeou took office in May 2008, improving Taipei-Beijing ties have contributed to expanded economic dialogue and ensured stability and peace across the strait,” he said.

“Taiwan is not a troublemaker and remains committed to being a peacemaker,” Wu added.

Baalen also had a meeting with Mainland Affairs Council Minister Lai Shin-yuan later in the day, during which she explained ROC government cross-strait policies.

“Through institutionalized negotiations, Taiwan and mainland China have signed 15 agreements on issues of mutual concern,” Lai said. “These include the Cross-Straits Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), which enables Taiwan to be a part of regional economic integration while prompting other countries to seek economic partnerships with us.”

Echoing Lai’s remarks, Baalen said Taiwan should take advantage of the mainland Chinese market to avoid being marginalized in the region. “The ECFA represents a correct policy that is bringing Taiwan to the world.”

Baalen, who doubles as president of London-based Liberal International, is scheduled to meet with Ma June 15.

LI is a global federation of progressive democratic political parties working to promote liberalism, individual freedoms, human rights, rule of law, tolerance, equal opportunity, social justice, free trade and the market economy.

Taiwan Today, Government Information Office, Republic of China (Taiwan), 15.06.2011

Die Presseabteilung der Taipeh Vertretung mit Sitz in Berlin bietet folgende Dienstleistungen an: Erläuterung der Politik und der Entwicklung der Republik China (Taiwan), Verbreitung von Stellungnahmen und Pressemitteilungen von taiwanischer Seite sowie Beantwortung von Fragen über das Land;
Angebot von Informationsmaterial über Taiwan in deutscher, englischer, und chinesischer Sprache (Broschüren, Filme, Videos, DVDs, Diafilme, CDs);
Anlaufstelle für deutsche Medienvertreter, Angebot von Informationsreisen nach Taiwan für deutsche Journalisten;
Organisation von Veranstaltungen mit dem Ziel, Kontakte zwischen Deutschland und Taiwan zu vertiefen (Vorträge, Seminare, Ausstellungen, Filmfestivals etc.);
Sonstige Öffentlichkeitsarbeit

Presseabteilung Taipeh Vertretung
Markgrafenstraße 35
10117 Berlin

This release was published on openPR.