TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US Senator Tammy Duckworth met with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Wednesday to discuss further bilateral cooperation. 

Lai warmly welcomed Duckworth and her delegation, calling her a good friend of Taiwan, per CNA. He noted she led a bipartisan Senate delegation last May after his inauguration and said her return on his first anniversary reflected Washington’s strong support.

The president recalled that in 2021, at the height of the pandemic, Duckworth visited Taiwan to announce a US vaccine donation. He praised her efforts to promote key legislation such as the Taiwan Security Act, the STAND with Taiwan Act, and the Taiwan and America Space Assistance Act, which have helped deepen bilateral ties.

Lai said Taiwan will continue to work closely with the US to uphold regional peace and stability and deepen economic and trade relations. He pointed out that Taiwan had the largest delegation at this month’s SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC, highlighting the close economic ties between the two countries.

He said Taiwan has outlined a roadmap balancing trade with the US by purchasing American energy, agricultural goods, and industrial products. The government is also encouraging investment between Taiwanese and US companies, particularly in the defense and shipbuilding industries. 

Duckworth said she was honored to return to Taiwan, especially on the first anniversary of Lai’s presidency. She said that regardless of which party governs in Washington, the US must stand up for friends like Taiwan to maintain its global leadership role.

She said the STAND with Taiwan Act symbolizes the US’ intent to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Taiwan. She reaffirmed bipartisan support for Taiwan’s democracy and praised the resilience of the Taiwanese.

The senator said initiatives such as the US vaccine donation, National Guard cooperation with Taiwan’s reserve forces, and Taiwan’s promotion of civilian emergency response teams are all key elements of the Taiwan-US partnership. She also called for bilateral investments in areas such as semiconductor manufacturing, agricultural investment, shipbuilding, and healthcare. 

Duckworth, who is on her fourth trip to Taiwan, also met with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), per the foreign ministry.