TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Richard Fadden, former director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, urged more cooperation between Taiwan and Canada on Monday (Sept. 16).
Fadden said Taiwan and Canada are both medium-sized countries with shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region during a luncheon hosted by Deputy Foreign Minister Remus Chen (陳立國), according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He hoped for expanded cooperation in areas that lead to mutual prosperity, further developing Taiwan-Canada relations. He also said he would share the insights gained from this visit with the Canadian government.
Chen said Taiwan appreciates Canada's decision to send a military ship through the Taiwan Strait in July. This was the fourth passage since the release of its "Indo-Pacific Strategy" in 2022, demonstrating Canada's firm commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, Chen said.
The deputy minister also pointed out Canada's efforts to strengthen cooperation with Taiwan in trade, healthcare, and technology. Also during the luncheon, the two sides discussed Taiwan's defense reforms and how to strengthen diplomatic ties.
Fadden’s delegation includes 11 former Canadian national security officials and think tank scholars. Their itinerary includes stopovers at Taiwan’s National Security Council and the Ministry of National Defense.
The group met with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) earlier on Monday, who noted that maintaining regional stability is crucial for global prosperity and serves the shared interests of both Taiwan and Canada.
She expressed her eagerness to hear the delegation’s perspectives on the current geopolitical landscape and to explore potential opportunities for bilateral cooperation.