TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japanese lawmakers welcomed deeper exchanges with Taiwan during a meeting with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) on Monday (Nov. 25)
Councilors Kitamura Tsuneo, Horii Iwao, and Hirayama Sachiko arrived in Taiwan on Sunday for a three-day visit to hold bilateral talks with top government officials. Discussions will focus on enhancing Taiwan-Japan parliamentary exchanges and regional developments.
Kitamura noted that Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru visited Taiwan in August, gaining a clear understanding of the expectations between the two nations, according to Lin. Kitamura expressed confidence that relations would remain strong and be protected regardless of which party governs Japan.
Horii hoped Japan could help Taiwan expand its international presence and strengthen bilateral collaboration in third countries.
Hirayama said her constituents asked her to convey their gratitude for Taiwan's assistance during the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. She emphasized the importance of promoting tourism and educational exchanges and hoped for closer collaboration in these areas.
Lin highlighted Japan’s strong support for regional stability and pointed out that Ishiba underscored the importance of Taiwan Strait peace at the US-Japan-South Korea meeting and the Japan-China meeting at the APEC summit earlier this month. The foreign minister appreciated Ishiba’s attention to Taiwan’s security.
Lin said he was optimistic about extending bilateral cooperation to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Island nations. He pointed to Taiwan's participation in the Japan-led undersea cable project in Tuvalu as an example.
The meeting affirmed the robust and multifaceted relationship between Taiwan and Japan, Lin said. Both sides reiterated their commitment to deepening ties and fostering regional stability, he added.