Canadian Cross-Party MPs Support Taiwan-Canada Exchange; Chen Ming-chi Calls Nations 'Natural Partners'

Taipei, May 19 (CNA) – Michael Chong, a Canadian Member of Parliament serving as the Conservative Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, is visiting Taiwan. During a luncheon, Taiwan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chen Ming-chi, stated that Taiwan and Canada are natural partners with highly complementary economic structures. Chong, in turn, said that Canadian MPs from across the political spectrum have long supported exchanges between Taiwan and Canada. Chong is visiting Taiwan from the 18th to the 21st. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issued a press release this morning stating that Chen welcomed him at a luncheon on the 18th, where the two sides exchanged views on issues such as the Indo-Pacific regional situation, foreign interference, and Taiwan-Canada economic and trade cooperation. In his remarks, Chen thanked Chong for his long-term steadfast support for Taiwan, noting that both Taiwan and Canada value democracy, the rule of law, and Indo-Pacific security, and are natural partners with highly complementary economic structures. He also expressed gratitude to the Canadian government for supporting Taiwan's international participation and for continuing to speak up for Taiwan in international forums. Chong responded that Canadian MPs from across party lines have long supported Taiwan-Canada exchanges, and that the two sides should continue to deepen their relationship and promote cooperation in trade, supply chains, energy, and security. He also commended the Canadian government for publicly supporting visits by parliamentarians to Taiwan. MOFA stated that it sincerely welcomes Chong's visit and his concrete actions demonstrating firm support for Taiwan. In the future, Taiwan will continue to promote interaction and exchanges with Canada, working together to foster peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. (Editor: Yang Kai-hsiang) 1150519