The Minnesota State Senate passed a pro-Taiwan resolution on Monday, reaffirming the longstanding sister relations between Taiwan and Minnesota while also endorsing the pursuit of U.S.-Taiwan bilateral trade agreements.

The resolution seeks to further strengthen the 40-year ties between Minnesota State and Taiwan, with a specific focus on enhancing economic and trade ties. It supports Taiwan&39;s participation in international organizations that impact the health, safety, and well-being of Taiwanese people, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).

The resolution was proposed by five bipartisan lawmakers, including Minnesota State Senate President Bobby Joe Champion and Taiwan Friendship Caucus Co-Chairs Jason Rarick and John Hoffman. 

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Chicago Director General Dennis Yen-Feng Lei (類延峰), who addressed the chamber, expressed gratitude to the Minnesota State Legislature for its support of Taiwan-U.S. relations and its concern following the recent earthquake in Taiwan.