A delegation from Japan’s House of Councillors commenced a four-day visit to Taiwan Dec. 26 to bolster bilateral relations and cooperation across the board.
Led by Hiroshige Seko, secretary-general for the Liberal Democratic Party in the House of Councillors, the group includes 11 other lawmakers from the party.
The delegation’s visit is warmly welcomed by the government and people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. In the face of authoritarian expansionism causing regional tensions and challenges to the rules-based international order, Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded partners such as Japan in defending the shared values of freedom and democracy, the MOFA added.
According to the MOFA, the group’s itinerary includes an audience with President Tsai Ing-wen and meetings with Vice President Lai Ching-te, Premier Su Tseng-chang, Legislative Yuan President You Si-kun, Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu. The delegation will also pay respects at the grave of late President Lee Teng-hui, the ministry said.
Seko, who previously served as Japan’s deputy chief cabinet secretary and minister of economy, trade and industry, is a staunch supporter of Taiwan, the MOFA said. This is evidenced by his push for the House of Councillors’ unanimous passage of a resolution supporting Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization last June, the ministry added. (DL-E)
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