President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) met with former Japanese House of Councillors President Akiko Santo at the Presidential Office this Wednesday. Santo is leading a delegation of approximately 40 women who she says are dedicated to promoting traditional Japanese culture and gaining a deeper understanding of Taiwanese history and culture through on-site exchanges.

President Lai noted this marks Santo’s second visit to Taiwan since leading a “Japan-Taiwan Cooperation Forum” delegation to participate in the National Day celebrations in 2024. He expressed gratitude to Santo for her long-term efforts in promoting Taiwan-Japan relations and parliamentary exchanges, including passing resolutions that further bilateral exchanges.

Santo said dramatic changes in Japanese and world politics have made Japanese society more focused on the country’s future direction, and that they hope to deepen cooperation with countries that also uphold the values of freedom and democracy. She emphasized that she will continue to promote Taiwan-Japan exchanges even after stepping down from her parliamentary role.

Lai said Taiwan and Japan have faced similar regional security challenges over the past few years, including the expansion of authoritarian forces, gray-zone intrusion, and cognitive warfare. He thanked Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for consistently promoting peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait since taking office.