The visit of a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation to Taiwan is welcomed by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs March 15.

Led by Rep. Ken Calvert, chair of the defense subcommittee under the Appropriations Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, the group comprises other AC members Reps. Ed Case, Tom Cole, Mike Garcia, David Joyce and Steve Womack.

During the delegation’s two-day trip, members had an audience with President Tsai Ing-wen, met with National Security Council Secretary-General Wellington Koo and attended a banquet hosted by Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu. Discussion topics spanned strengthening bilateral security cooperation and the advancement of economic and trade ties.

According to the MOFA, delegation members have been vocal advocates for Taiwan for many years, for example, calling for the country’s inclusion in World Health Organization and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity. The ministry added they also supported signing of a bilateral trade agreement.

The visit demonstrates staunch backing from the U.S. Congress for Taiwan, the MOFA said, adding that the government will continue working with the U.S. administrative and legislative bodies to deepen partnership across the board.

In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said: “Manifest of the close #Taiwan-#US relationship, we welcome bipartisan members of #House Committee on Appropriations! @TeamCalvert, @TomColeOK04, @Rep_SteveWomack, @RepDaveJoyce, @RepEdCase, & @RepMikeGarcia expand trade ties & security cooperation with their 2-day visit.”

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)