President Tsai Ing-wen met Rasmussen (left), chairman of the Democratic Alliance Foundation, at the presidential palace yesterday. Rasmussen was the prime minister of Denmark and the secretary-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

(Central News Agency)

[Reporter Chen Yun/Taipei Report] President Tsai Ing-wen received a delegation from Rasmussen, chairman of the Democratic Alliance Foundation, yesterday. Rasmussen, former Secretary-General of NATO and Prime Minister of Denmark, said that Taiwan is strong Democracies, as part of the global family of democracies, believe that the strength of global democratic allies will act as a deterrent to authoritarian countries, including the Beijing government.

Meeting with President Tsai on "Deepening European-Taiwan Cooperation"

Rasmussen pointed out that this trip to Taiwan is to show strong support for the Taiwanese people's right to determine their own future and to live in a free and democratic environment. He will also exchange views with President Tsai on how to further cooperate between Taiwan and Europe.

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Rasmussen said that he established the Democratic Alliance Foundation five years ago to strengthen the cooperation of global democratic allies to combat the continuous expansion of authoritarianism. Global democratic allies account for more than 60% of the global economy. The power of awe will also have a deterrent effect on authoritarian countries and governments, including the Beijing government.

Regarding Taiwan, Rasmussen said that Taiwan is a strong democratic country and belongs to the family of global democratic camps. When he first visited Taiwan in 1994, Taiwan was undergoing a democratic transition. He visited Taiwan again on this trip. I am deeply impressed by the progress of Taiwan's democracy and that it has become a beacon of freedom. It is a great honor to invite President Tsai to speak at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit every year for the past three years. I look forward to listening to President Tsai's wisdom again this year.

Rasmussen said that he very much agrees with what President Tsai said, "We should not take freedom and democracy for granted, and should try our best to defend the value of freedom and democracy." He believes that democracy is the most powerful force in the world, and he has the right to propose Different opinions and doubts can encourage progress, and being able to determine one's own future can stimulate a lot of creativity. A society that can tolerate different opinions can promote efficiency and transparency.

Cai: Continue to improve the overall national defense combat capability

Tsai Ing-wen said that in the 30 years since Rasmussen's first visit to Taiwan, Taiwan has undergone tremendous changes. It has made great progress in democratic development and created a prosperous economy. I believe that Rasmussen's visit this time can deeply understand that democracy and freedom are Taiwan. The values ​​upheld by the people are also the way we live.

Tsai Ing-wen emphasized that Taiwan, like many successful democracies, has experienced authoritarian rule. We know that democracy and freedom are hard-won and should not be taken for granted. Therefore, we cherish this precious asset all the more. Taiwan is at the forefront of the global defense of democracy. As Doctrine continues to expand, we will continue to improve our overall national defense capabilities and work with more allies of the Democratic Front to jointly maintain peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.