Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of December 22, President Tsai Ing-wen met with Yang Chang-Soo, the new representative of the Korean Mission in Taipei. In addition to calling for the establishment of a fuller and more comprehensive mechanism for dialogue, President Tsai also expressed hope that the two sides can enhance economic and trade relations by signing an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income as soon as possible.

President Tsai opened her remarks by welcoming Representative Yang to his new post in Taiwan and noting that her visitor is a highly seasoned diplomat with a deep knowledge of Asia-Pacific affairs. Under Representative Yang's leadership, the president said, Taiwan and Korea will certainly continue on the existing foundation to expand exchanges in such areas as industry, economic and trade ties, and cultural relations.

For the sake of prosperity and peace in the Asia-Pacific region, said the president, there is a need for further enhancement of cooperation between Taiwan and Korea. The two countries have taken very similar paths to democratization and economic development, and each plays an important role with respect to Asia-Pacific regional security, so hopefully Taiwan and Korea can establish a fuller and more comprehensive mechanism for dialogue, including contacts between the two governments, and the holding by think tanks of regional security conferences. Taiwan is willing to work together with Korea on such matters, she said.

President Tsai pointed out that Taiwan and Korea are close trade and investment partner, and should continue to promote agreements related to economic and trade relations. In particular, the two countries are scheduled to hold a fourth meeting next month in Taipei to discuss the signing of an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income, and the president said she would be very happy if a mutually beneficial agreement such as this could be signed as soon as possible.

President Tsai closed her remarks by once again welcoming Representative Yang to his new post in Taiwan and expressing hope that the two sides can continue to cooperate and enhance the bilateral friendship.

Visiting along with Representative Yang was Korean Mission in Taipei Deputy Representative Lee Sang Ryul.