President Tsai Ing-wen said Jan. 14 that Taiwan is committed to deepening partnerships with Japan across the board and will continue to work with the like-minded partner to contribute to regional development and prosperity.
The president made the remarks while meeting with Keiji Furuya, chair of the Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council, and his delegation at the Presidential Office in Taipei City.
Tsai first welcomed Furuya and his delegation to witness Taiwan’s presidential and legislative elections. Described as Asia’s most important election in 2024 by international media outlets, the Jan. 13 election exemplified the mature democratic qualities of the people of Taiwan, Tsai said, adding that as a reliable member of the global community, the country will continue to safeguard the values of freedom and democracy under the new administration.
The president then took the opportunity to thank Japan for its part in a joint statement made with South Korea and the U.S. earlier this month, in which it reiterated its support of cross-strait peace and stability. She additionally expressed hopes that reconstruction following a magnitude 7.6 earthquake on the Noto Peninsula was proceeding smoothly.
In response, Furuya thanked Taiwan for its aid, calling it a true friend. He also emphasized that Taiwan’s election results convey a message to the world: that China’s interference has not succeeded and democratic processes have prevailed.
Furuya stressed that all countries that value freedom and democracy, and respect human rights and the rule of law, must work together. He said he believes that Taiwan and Japan will create a better tomorrow for all by jointly tackling challenges across fields as varied as the economy, energy, security and social welfare. (YCH-E)
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