The Regional Council of Lombardy in northern Italy yesterday unanimously passed a motion supporting Taiwan’s international participation, with councilors saying it is important to strengthen ties with a “democratic and innovative country” such as Taiwan.
Taipei’s Representative Office in Milan said this is the first regional council in Italy to pass a pro-Taiwan motion, representing a groundbreaking milestone in support for Taiwan among Italy’s local governments.
The motion would open new opportunities for collaboration between Taiwan and Italy at the local level, deepen exchanges between the two countries and strengthen their democratic partnership, the office said.
Photo from Giulio Gallera’s Instagram
The Regional Council of Lombardy in a news release said that it passed Motion 370 yesterday afternoon with 47 votes in favor and zero against.
This motion supports Taiwan’s full participation in international organizations and promotes measures that curb Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation, the council said.
The motion was proposed by five councilors who visited Taiwan in mid-September, including Councilor Giulio Gallera.
When the Chinese embassy in Italy protested their visit to Taiwan, the councilors called it “a serious attack on democracy” and demanded the Chinese embassy issue a formal apology, threatening to otherwise cut off communications with the embassy.
Gallera yesterday said that the motion shows Lombardy is standing with one of Asia’s most advanced democracies and recognizes that Taiwan is a reliable partner in economic, technological and institutional fields.
During their visit to Taiwan in September, the councilors met with government and business representatives to explore opportunities for collaboration in innovation, healthcare and education, he said.
The visit allowed them to experience firsthand an “incredible, modern and vibrant place,” which views Europe as a model of cooperation and freedom, Gallera said.
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