Vice President Vincent C. Siew on the afternoon of August 6 met with a delegation of parliamentarians from Indonesia's Democratic Party at the Presidential Building. The vice president extended a warm welcome to the visitors.
Vice President Siew said that even though Taiwan and Indonesia do not have formal diplomatic relations, the two countries maintain close interaction on many levels, including trade and economic cooperation, as well as investment. He added that both countries seek to maintain and uphold democracy. The vice president said he is very pleased to meet with the delegation at the Presidential Building and feels a deep bond with them.
The vice president told the delegation that Taiwan is extremely willing to share its development experience with Indonesia and to work together with Indonesia to foster greater wellbeing for the people of the two countries. He said that since the new government took office here, relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have gradually warmed. Amid this environment, he said that Taiwan also hopes to strengthen its relationship with ASEAN and increase its interaction with ASEAN members.
Vice President Siew stressed that one of the goals behind the government's efforts in improving relations with Mainland China is to reduce Mainland China's interference regarding Taiwan in the international community. He said Taiwan maintains close relations with ASEAN countries in the areas of trade and economy, labor and tourism. He added that while many sectors are discussing the possible ASEAN Plus One or ASEAN Plus Three frameworks, it is wrong to isolate Taiwan. Vice President Siew said that Taiwan should be included as a dialogue partner in an expanded ASEAN framework.
The vice president also expressed his gratitude to the visitors for their support for and friendship to the ROC, especially with regards to the ROC's efforts in joining international organizations. He said he hopes the guests will continue to provide support and encouragement to the ROC and will work to strengthen bilateral interaction to foster new opportunities between the two countries.
The guests expressed their appreciation to Vice President Siew for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with them. They also said that they place great importance on their friendship with the ROC and will continue to maintain close contact with the ROC in the future, hoping to make greater contributions to the people of the two countries.
The delegation included Congressman Soekartono Hadiwarsito, Congressman Ignatius Mulyono and ethnic Chinese Congressman Albert Yaputra. The guests were accompanied to the Presidential Building in the afternoon by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Javier Ching-shan Hou to meet with Vice President Siew.