The European Taiwan Friendship Group delegation, consisting of 10 European Parliament (EP) members, is visiting Taiwan from January 4 to 9. The Foreign Ministry (MOFA) says Taiwan values its partnership with the EP, and will work closely with members of the friendship group and newly formed Formosa Club to deepen exchanges between Taiwan and the European parliaments in the coming year.

The visiting delegation is led by Michael Gahler, the Chairman of the Taiwan Friendship group, and Co-Chair of the Formosa Club. Gahler previously visited Taiwan in 2019, where he expressed strong support for Taiwan’s international participation, and emphasized that Taiwan and the EU have a “complete relationship” even without formal diplomatic relations.

MOFA says Gahler is a strong supporter of Taiwan, noting his dedication to promoting exchanges between Taiwan and the EP, as well as assisting Taiwan in expanding its ally network within the European Parliament. The ministry warmly welcomes the visiting delegation, with a European Affairs director saying that they will continue cultivating friendly relationships through the Formosa Club and European Taiwan Friendship Group to promote deeper exchanges between Taiwan in the EP in the future. 

The European Formosa Club held its first annual meeting in Taipei in October last year. After, it released a pro-Taiwan statement reiterating its commitment to deepening transnational parliamentary cooperation between Taiwan, the EU, and its Atlantic democratic allies. 

As for the visiting delegation, during their 5-day stay, they are set to meet with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), members of the Legislature, and other high-ranking officials to discuss matters of mutual concern.