Taipei-Visiting French Senator Joël Guerriau lauded Taiwan for contributing to regional stability despite facing sustained isolation because of China, during a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen (???) on Thursday.

During the meeting in Taipei, Guerriau, vice chairman of the French Senate’s Taiwan Friendship Group and vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and the Armed Forces, described Taiwan as a pillar of stability in the region.

Though Taiwan faces isolation from the international community, it continues to open itself to the world and fight for its existence on a daily basis, said Guerriau.

Despite attempts by a “powerful country” to exclude Taiwan from taking part in international organizations, Guerriau said while referring implicitly to Beijing, the country remained dedicated to sharing its expertise in public health and industrial development with the world and playing a part in global humanitarian efforts.

Guerriau, who is leading a delegation of French senators on a six-day visit to Taiwan, was conferred the Order of Propitious Clouds with Grand Cordon by the president at the beginning of the meeting for his role in strengthening the Taiwan-France relationship.

Guerriau said he was committed to helping Taiwan resist those who seek to oppress it and undermine the country’s freedom and democracy.

Tsai thanked Guerriau for his years of contributions to improving Taiwan’s ties with France.

She specifically mentioned one of these contributions being the French Senate’s adopting last year of a resolution co-sponsored by Guerriau to support Taiwan’s participation in United Nations agencies such as the World Health Organization and International Civil Aviation Organization.

The visit by the French parliamentarians from June 8-13, Tsai noted, is a testament to the French Senate’s support for Taiwan and the bilateral ties between the two nations.

The president added that Taiwan looked forward to further deepening its cooperation with France in various fields.

The French delegation also comprises senators Vincent Eble, Sylvie Goy-Chavent, Dany Wattebled, and Ludovic Haye.

According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation will also meet with other top Taiwanese officials during their stay to discuss issues such as global and regional security, supply chains and technology, among others.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel