President Ma Ying-jeou met on the afternoon of January 4 with a delegation of visiting British parliamentarians, to whom he expressed his appreciation for their longstanding assistance in promoting the development of friendly relations between the two countries.
The president commented that the UK began including Taiwan in its visa-waiver program in March 2009, and was the first European nation to do so. This measure helped advance bilateral relations, and encouraged other European nations to follow suit. President Ma cited statistics indicating that the number of ROC nationals visiting the UK in 2009 rose 107% from the previous year. Meanwhile, bilateral trade in the first 11 months of 2010 increased 26% year-on-year, marking the fastest growth in quite some time. This, the president remarked, demonstrates that reduced travel barriers are conducive to bilateral trade and investment, and encourages more students to pursue studies in the other nation.
President Ma stated that after the UK granted ROC nationals visa-free entry, Ireland, New Zealand, and Canada did likewise. In addition, the European Union just last month decided to include Taiwan in its visa-waiver program, with the measure slated to take effect this coming January 11. This will save the time and money previously needed to apply for a visa, he said, adding that inclusion in the visa-waiver programs represents a significant upgrade in bilateral relations. The media has referred to this as a vote of confidence in the ROC by European nations, he remarked.
The president commented that the ROC and the UK share a commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights, and rule of law. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office previously launched the "How to Note on Electoral Assistance" that aims to assist diplomatic allies in establishing democratic systems, the president noted. He explained that this demonstrates that the UK is not only one of the world's oldest democracies, but also is active in promoting democracy throughout the world, a position the president deeply admires.
President Ma noted that former British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw mentioned during an address at the Royal Institute of International Affairs last month that while the population and size of the UK are smaller than the United States, the UK has many strengths, including its values, institutions, and culture. President Ma agreed with this position, saying that while the ROC is small, it hopes to highlight its character as a promoter of peace, humanitarian aid, cultural ties, business opportunities, and new technologies.
The president stressed that he has actively sought to improve relations between Taiwan and mainland China since taking office in 2008 and the two sides have now signed 15 agreements. Each week some 370 flights operate across the Taiwan Strait, something not seen in the past 60 years. The government will continue to make every effort to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait in the future, he said.
President Ma also expressed his hope that European nations will explore the possibility of signing trade enhancement measures or economic cooperation agreements with the ROC. He said he hopes that the establishment of more systematic avenues will promote bilateral trade and economic ties.
The delegation included All-Party Parliamentary British-Taiwan Group Chairman Lord Faulkner of Worcester, Lord Rogan, Lord Grantchester, and Members of Parliament Brian Donohoe and Greg Hands. The delegation visited the Presidential Office in the afternoon where they met with President Ma. Also attending the meeting was National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Chih-kung Liu.