The government and people of Taiwan extend their deepest condolences on the passing of Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party President Hans Van Baalen, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs April 30.
Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu has personally expressed Taiwan’s sincere sympathies to van Baalen’s family, the MOFA said.
Van Baalen worked tirelessly to expand cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan, the European Union and the Netherlands, the MOFA said, adding he was also a staunch supporter of Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations.
In addition to his role as ALDE Party president, Van Baalen served as a member of the Netherlands’ House of Representatives, the European Parliament and president of Liberal International during over two decades in politics.
In a tweet on the MOFA’s official Twitter account, Wu said: “I'm deeply grieved to learn of the loss of Hans van Baalen. He was a magnificent supporter of Taiwan & its people. Our thoughts are with his family at this time of tremendous sadness. Rest in peace, my close & dear friend.” (DL-E)
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