TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday welcomed Michael Green, CEO of the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney and former US National Security Council official, to Taiwan.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) met with Green to discuss regional security, Taiwan-US relations, and Indo-Pacific cooperation. Lin said that Taiwan is a force for good and is willing to work with like-minded partners to assist other nations in their development, according to MOFA.

Green endorsed Taiwan’s comprehensive approach to diplomacy and said that though USSC is an American studies center, the growing importance of allies—including Taiwan—necessitates deeper cooperation to counter authoritarianism.

Deputy Foreign Minister Remus Chen (陳立國) later hosted a luncheon for Green and his delegation. Chen urged Australia to support Taiwan’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Green will also meet with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) and engage with government agencies and think tanks on Taiwan’s political and economic development, cross-strait relations, and geopolitical issues.

MOFA said Taiwan and Australia are like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific that share the values of democracy and freedom. Green will experience Taiwan’s vibrant democracy firsthand during his visit, and Taiwan-Australia bilateral relations will be strengthened, it added.