President Chen Shui-bian on July 30 met with a delegation of British Liberal Democrat Parliamentarians presently on a visit to Taiwan.
The president expressed his gratitude on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan) for the friendly language included in the Report on East Asia released by the British House of Commons' Foreign Affairs Committee on August 13 last year. The report called on the British government to support Taiwan's efforts to obtain full membership in the World Health Organization. The report also indicated the Parliament's attention to maintaining peace, security and stability in the Taiwan Strait. It furthermore noted that Britain should maintain its embargo on the sale of arms to China. President Chen said that even though Taiwan and the UK do not maintain formal diplomatic relations, the report specially suggested that the British government strengthen political contacts and interaction with Taiwan.
President Chen said the two countries have made excellent progress in trade and commercial cooperation, as well as in investment. Last year, bilateral trade reached US$5.3 billion, with England being Taiwan's third largest trading partner in Europe and Taiwan serving as England's eighth largest trading partner in Asia.
The president also noted how England is a popular choice for Taiwan students to study overseas. At presently, at least 15,000 Taiwan students are in various study programs or are carrying out research in the UK. This makes the UK the second most popular destination for Taiwan students heading overseas, behind only the United States. He appreciated the outstanding academic environment that the UK provides.
Lord Dholakia, the leader of the visiting delegation, expressed his thanks to President Chen for taking time out of his busy schedule and also passed along the regards of Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell. Lord Dholakia said he realizes the unique predicament Taiwan faces in the international arena, but also said he is clear as to the efforts and contributions made by Taiwan in the global community. He hopes his party and the Taiwan government will continue to maintain close cooperation, enabling relations to improve ever further.