President Tsai Ing-wen received a delegation from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons of the British Parliament this morning to visit Taiwan.

(file photo)

[Reporter Su Yongyao/Taipei Report] President Tsai Ing-wen received a delegation from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons of the British Parliament this morning. The president said that he attaches great importance to the development of Taiwan-UK relations. Facing the expansion of authoritarianism, democratic countries should unite more. Make more contributions to regional peace.

In her speech, the representative of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons of the British Parliament, Ke Enshi emphasized that Taiwan is a staunch friend of the United Kingdom and welcomes Taiwan to participate in more multilateral organizations such as the World Health Organization, and to participate as a "full member".

The delegation was led by Alicia Kearns MP, and other members included: Liam Byrne MP, Stewart Malcolm McDonald MP, Royston Smith MP, and Quay Neil Coyle MP and others, a total of 5 cross-party MPs.

It was the first time for the five members of Congress to visit Taiwan, and it was the second visit of the British Parliament after the visit to Taiwan in 2006.

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Ke Enshi first said that this is the second time in 16 years that the British Parliament has organized a delegation to visit Taiwan, and it is a great honor for the Foreign Affairs Committee and the House of Commons.

And democratic countries should indeed conduct inter-parliamentary dialogue and exchanges to enhance mutual understanding, share experience and deepen friendship.

This visit to Taiwan has three main axes: democracy, resilience and prosperity.

Ke Enshi pointed out that many democracies believe that the world has tended towards authoritarianism in the past 20 years, but Taiwan has proved that it is not an inevitable development. From budding to democratic growth, it has become one of the most robust democracies in the world.

Democracy is a light in darkness. At a time when the rule of law and a rules-based world order are more important than ever, democracies should stand up to defend our way of life and our democratic freedoms.

Regarding resilience, she pointed out that we are facing many common challenges, including climate change, energy supply, supply chain diversification and society's protection from cyber attacks.

The UK hopes to look beyond Europe and look at the world, attaches great importance to friends in the Indo-Pacific region, and believes that Taiwan is a solid friend.

For example, when Russian President Vladimir Putin illegally invaded Ukraine again, Taiwan immediately provided assistance to Ukraine, sending urgently needed medicines in less than a week.

During the global epidemic, "some countries confuse right and wrong and mislead the public", Taiwan, with a clear and loud voice, took the lead in warning, drawing the world's attention to the virus that hit the world, and sharing best practices in epidemic prevention, so that we can recover faster.

In addition, Ke Enshi also hopes that Taiwan can help the United Kingdom to build the ability to learn Chinese, and the United Kingdom will also assist Taiwan to achieve the goal of a bilingual country by 2030.

With the continuous growth of global public goods and common interests, especially green energy, the UK also hopes that its allies can stand together and welcomes Taiwan to participate in more multilateral organizations such as the WHO, and to participate as a full member.

Because Taiwan can provide very special experience and knowledge, the United Kingdom also calls for an end to these behaviors that unfairly hinder Taiwan's participation in multilateral organizations.

Cohen said the UK-Taiwan partnership can be more resilient and prosperous.

Including technology exchanges related to green energy, great achievements have been made. At present, the UK has more than 35 offshore wind power companies in Taiwan, more than anywhere else in the world.

Cooperate in the semiconductor industry, and continue to develop related capabilities and technological advantages, hoping to continue to expand bilateral trade and connections.

She emphasized that although the political systems of the United Kingdom and Taiwan are different, the foundation is the same. The government is elected by the people and responsible to the people. The driving force driving Taiwan's progress is that the people of Taiwan protect their precious democracy and culture. Taiwan is a firm friend. We look forward to working together in the future so that The world is greener, healthier, more peaceful and more prosperous.