Former lawmaker and musician Freddy Lim (林昶佐) is to serve as Taiwan’s next representative to Finland, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) confirmed today.
Lim’s appointment is currently being processed and would be officially announced by the Presidential Office at a later date, Lin told reporters prior to a meeting at the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee.
Lim previously served two terms as a legislator and on the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, making him familiar with Taiwan’s diplomatic affairs, Lin said.
Photo: Tu Chien-jung, Taipei Times
Lim did not run for re-election last year to spend time with a family member suffering from a rare disease.
He has a strong international perspective and experience with international exchanges, especially with human rights diplomacy, Lin said.
President William Lai (賴清德) places a strong emphasis on values-based diplomacy, including human rights and cultural diplomacy, Lin said.
The president believes that with Lim’s past experience, he would be able to engage in international exchanges and effectively promote comprehensive diplomacy between Taiwan and northern Europe, as well as globally, the minister said.
Comprehensive diplomacy requires a diverse range of talents, including people from economic and cultural fields, as well as career diplomats, he said.
The number of ambassadors and representatives the president appoints each year is limited to protect promotion opportunities for career diplomats, he added.
Finland is also famous for its heavy metal music scene, raising hopes for collaboration opportunities with the Chthonic leading man.
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