Deputy speaker seeks to boost Taiwan support in Europe

歐洲副議長盼加強歐洲對台灣的支持

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Legislative Deputy Speaker Johnny Chiang (江啟臣) departed for Europe on Saturday to promote parliamentary diplomacy.

Chiang is leading a delegation to the UK, Ireland, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands to meet with parliaments and think tanks, as well as visit overseas Taiwanese communities and businesses, to deepen bilateral relations, CNA reported.

The deputy speaker will meet with several parliamentary leaders, including Irish House of Representatives Deputy Speaker John McGuinness, UK House of Lords Deputy Speaker Lord Faulkner, Czech Senate First Vice President Jiri Drahos, and Czech Chamber of Deputies Deputy Speaker Jan Bartosek.

While in the Czech Republic, Chiang will attend the opening of a National Palace Museum exhibition co-hosted with the Czech National Museum.

He emphasized that in recent years, European countries have placed growing importance on Indo-Pacific security and cross-strait developments. Parliamentary delegations from across Europe have visited Taiwan, resulting in more support, he said.

Chiang said that through parliamentary diplomacy, Taiwan could continue to foster positive bilateral interactions and solidify friendly, cooperative ties with the world. He added that such efforts would help advance cooperation in trade, economics, and cultural exchanges.