President Ma Ying-jeou met with Mr. François Brottes, Chairman of the France-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, at the Presidential Office on the morning of July 28. The president, on behalf of the government of the ROC, extended a cordial welcome to Member of Parliament Brottes and others in his delegation on their visit to Taiwan.
The president remarked that Mr. Brottes previously visited Taiwan in December of last year, adding that he is delighted to have another opportunity to hold discussions with him. President Ma furthermore stated that relations between Taiwan and France are moving forward quite smoothly. Last year, he noted, trade between the two countries reached US$6 billion. Meanwhile, many important French companies have selected Taiwan as a place to invest. In addition, the president said that the two nations have strong ties in the fields of culture and technology. Bilateral relations have continued to grow steadily, which the president said he has been happy to see.
President Ma also commented that the ROC in May of this year was able to attend the World Health Assembly as an observer, making this the first time that Taiwan has been able to participate in a United Nations-affiliated organization since it left the UN 38 years ago. In addition, this year's success marks the culmination of 12 years of work by Taiwan. He said he wanted to particularly express his appreciation to the France-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group and other friends of Taiwan in France for their assistance. He said that the support provided will not be forgotten, and reiterated his deepest gratitude on behalf of the government.
Chairman Brottes thanked President Ma for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with them. Accompanying him on this trip to Taiwan are four members of Parliament who are making their first visit here. He said that Taiwan's culture and economic development have made a deep impression on them. Chairman Brottes added that thanks to efforts by representatives from both sides, relations between Taiwan and France have progressed in recent years in a wide range of areas. In the future the France-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group will continue to assist Taiwan in participating in other international organizations, he said, expressing his confidence that friendship between Taiwan and France will continue to strengthen.