TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) on Monday welcomed a delegation of Australian lawmakers, led by Steve Georganas and Darren Chester.

Hsiao said Australia has been a longtime partner in Taiwan’s Global Cooperation and Training Framework, according to the Presidential Office. Taiwan and Australia have cooperated on public policy issues such as public health and cybersecurity, she said.

Hsiao thanked Australia for reaffirming the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait in global forums and for supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. The vice president said Australia is one of Taiwan’s key trading partners, and their economies are highly complementary.

Australia has helped Taiwan strengthen its energy resilience, Hsiao said. As Taiwan develops renewable energy and continues to rely on diversified energy imports, she said she hopes the Taiwan–Australia partnership will deepen.

The delegation arrived in Taiwan on Saturday. The group will meet Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Legislative Yuan Deputy Speaker Chiang Chi-chen (江啟臣) and hold discussions with government ministries on expanding cooperation.

In September, the Australian Navy sent the guided-missile destroyer HMAS Brisbane through the Taiwan Strait. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was the first time this year that Australia publicly announced such a voyage.

“Such operations bear testament to the firm determination of these countries to assist in maintaining cross-strait peace and stability,” MOFA said.