The government welcomes a resolution passed by the European Parliament expressing its support for closer cooperation with Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday.
In a statement, the ministry said it was grateful for the resolution, which was adopted earlier in the day and called for stronger ties between the EU and Taiwan. The resolution also called for the EU to have a greater presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
In the resolution, the European Parliament commended Taiwan’s continued efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and recognized the progress made in cross-strait ties, especially in the areas of economic links, tourism and cultural cooperation, the ministry said.
The resolution also reiterated the European Parliament’s support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and activities, such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
On the issue of Europe-Taiwan ties, it urged the European Commission and the Council of the EU to facilitate the negotiation of an EU-Taiwan economic cooperation agreement. It also backed closer bilateral ties in trade, research, culture, education and environmental protection.
In response, Taiwan urged the EU to begin talks on an economic cooperation pact and continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation and exchanges, the ministry said.
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