Taiwan Today, 22nd July 2015 - President Ma Ying-jeou said July 21 that Taiwan and France enjoy solid two-way ties and he expects further advances going forward across the fields of culture, technology and trade.
“France is Taiwan’s fourth largest trading partner in Europe, with bilateral trade reaching US$4.25 billion in 2014,” Ma said. “In addition, France is Taiwan’s second-largest technological cooperation partner worldwide, a fact evidenced by 58 joint projects and 200-plus tertiary education accords.
“It is hoped the two sides will reach a working holiday agreement in the near future so as to grow youth exchanges and further cement this robust relationship.”
Ma made the remarks while receiving a French delegation of lawmakers led by Sen. Alain Richard, chairman of the France-Taiwan Friendship Group, at the Presidential Office in Taipei City.
Taiwan and France share a common belief in the values of democracy, freedom, human rights and peace, Ma said, adding that he expects Paris to continue supporting Taipei as it goes about strengthening the country’s role in the international community.
“Examples of this undertaking include Taiwan’s participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization and bid to take part in the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change,” the president said, adding that the nation has demonstrated resolve to cut its 2050 emissions to 50 percent the level of 2005 with the passing of the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction and Management Act.
In terms of enhancing collaboration with the EU, Ma cited significant results achieved like the signing of economic partnership pacts with New Zealand and Singapore in 2013.
“Two-way trade with both countries leapt 12.5 percent and 5 percent, respectively, in the space of a year,” the president said. “I would expect to see the same trend following the inking of economic cooperation and bilateral investment agreements with the EU.”
Ma said the healthy state of Taiwan-France ties represents the success of his viable diplomacy approach and commitment to bolstering the nation’s relations with other countries and territories worldwide. “Rest assured, we are leaving no stone unturned in efforts to further cement Taiwan’s reputation as a reliable and trusted partner in the Asia-Pacific region.” (YHC-JSM)
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