Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim attended the 2nd European Conference of Ventotene for Freedom and Democracy Sept. 11 on the southern Italian island to discuss Taiwan’s role in the future of freedom and democracy.
The VP was accompanied by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and the conference involved over 100 political figures and representatives from academia, democratic groups and media. Pina Picierno, one of the European Parliament’s vice presidents, and Gianni Vernetti, former foreign minister of Italy, also attended.
The municipality of Ventotene includes Santo Stefano Island, site of a prison from 1797 to 1965. Hsiao said the municipality has a historic position in European anti-authoritarianism and the pursuit of freedom and integration. She noted that this year is the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first presidential election and the country also went through a very challenging period of democratization.
The VP said Taiwan is strengthening its economy, defense capabilities and whole-of-society resilience in the face increased military challenges, gray zone pressures and economic coercion. No island is too small to have a voice or deserve respect, she said, adding that Taiwan will continue to work with its partners to defend freedom, human dignity and freedom.
The VP also attended an event hosted by Picierno, met with MEPs Sandro Gozi and Valérie Hayer of France, Head of EP Liaison Office Carlo Corazza and Ventotene Mayor Carmine Caputo. She visited the Cisterne Romane and Museo Storico Archeologico during her stay in Italy, the MOFA said.
According to the Presidential Office, the VP delivered remarks Sept. 14 at Taoyuan International Airport upon her return. She said it was an honor to attend the conference at the invitation of Picierno and Corazza, and that
she once again felt the concern from the global community for Taiwan during the trip.
Taiwan will remain committed to its democratic way of life and efforts to promote regional peace and prosperity, Hsiao said, expecting her visit to show that Taiwan will continue to move forward with the world despite its difficult situation. (SFC-E)
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The VP was accompanied by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and the conference involved over 100 political figures and representatives from academia, democratic groups and media. Pina Picierno, one of the European Parliament’s vice presidents, and Gianni Vernetti, former foreign minister of Italy, also attended.
The municipality of Ventotene includes Santo Stefano Island, site of a prison from 1797 to 1965. Hsiao said the municipality has a historic position in European anti-authoritarianism and the pursuit of freedom and integration. She noted that this year is the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first presidential election and the country also went through a very challenging period of democratization.
The VP said Taiwan is strengthening its economy, defense capabilities and whole-of-society resilience in the face increased military challenges, gray zone pressures and economic coercion. No island is too small to have a voice or deserve respect, she said, adding that Taiwan will continue to work with its partners to defend freedom, human dignity and freedom.
The VP also attended an event hosted by Picierno, met with MEPs Sandro Gozi and Valérie Hayer of France, Head of EP Liaison Office Carlo Corazza and Ventotene Mayor Carmine Caputo. She visited the Cisterne Romane and Museo Storico Archeologico during her stay in Italy, the MOFA said.
According to the Presidential Office, the VP delivered remarks Sept. 14 at Taoyuan International Airport upon her return. She said it was an honor to attend the conference at the invitation of Picierno and Corazza, and that
she once again felt the concern from the global community for Taiwan during the trip.
Taiwan will remain committed to its democratic way of life and efforts to promote regional peace and prosperity, Hsiao said, expecting her visit to show that Taiwan will continue to move forward with the world despite its difficult situation. (SFC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
from Taiwan Today – Top News