Taiwan’s Legislative Speaker You Si-kun (???), who is currently leading a delegation visiting France, said Monday he was looking to strengthen ties between both countries, including more cooperation in the fields of culture and technology.

You, who met with overseas Taiwanese in Paris on Monday after discussing bilateral industrial cooperation with French officials in Provence on July 24, told CNA there are more possibilities for partnerships.

France is strong in culture, education, technology, and defense, while Taiwan has well-established semiconductor and high-technology sectors, You said.

“Taiwan and France could both benefit a lot if there are more mutual visits and exchanges between central governments from both sides,” he said.

You pointed out that there had been closer parliamentary exchanges between both countries in recent years, as three groups of French lawmakers had visited Taiwan since he took office in 2020.

You, whose delegation is scheduled to visit the French Parliament on Tuesday and Wednesday, said he hoped to take the opportunity to thank the country for supporting Taiwan, including voicing support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Organization (WHO).

Countries such as France, the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom are paying more attention to the situation in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, You also pointed out, adding that those concerns more or less involve Taiwan.

You’s delegation recently concluded visits to the Czech Republic and Lithuania between July 18-24.

His delegation consists of ruling Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Huang Shih-chieh (???), opposition Taiwan People’s Party Legislator Jang Chyi-lu (???), and opposition Kuomintang Legislators Kung Wen-chi (???) and Wan Mei-ling (???), who also serves as the head of Taiwan-Czech Parliamentary Amity Association.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel