TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday congratulated Liberal Democratic Party leader Takaichi Sanae on her election as Japan’s prime minister.

He said he hopes Taiwan–Japan ties will remain friendly and grow closer. In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) highlighted the countries’ mutual assistance, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following last month’s deadly barrier lake overflow in Hualien, Japan not only offered equipment to measure water depth but also saw volunteers travel to help with cleanup, Kuo said.

The spokesperson described Takaichi — Japan’s first female prime minister — as a staunch friend of Taiwan. She said both sides hope to deepen exchanges and cooperation in trade, technology, disaster prevention, and security, strengthening their regional partnership.

Lai also thanked Japan’s previous prime minister, Ishiba Shigeru, for his support of Taiwan and his public opposition to the use of force to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. Ishiba also backed Taiwan’s bid to participate in international organizations, the president said.