President Tsai meets Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development
While meeting on the afternoon of September 28 with a delegation from the Holy See led by Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, President Tsai Ing-wen briefed her visitors on cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and the Holy See. She also stressed that Taiwan will continue to stand together with the Holy See in a united effort to promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
In remarks, President Tsai noted that the 24th World Congress of the Apostleship of the Sea would commence in Taiwan's southern city of Kaohsiung just a few days later, on October 1, and that this year's Congress would be the first one held overseas since the establishment of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development on January 1, 2017. In addition, the president congratulated Cardinal Turkson for the honorary doctorate that he was scheduled to receive on September 29 from Fu Jen Catholic University.
President Tsai pointed out that more than 250 scholars and experts from 50 different countries were expected at this year's World Congress of the Apostleship of the Sea, and Taiwanese government agencies at all levels were doing everything possible to ensure a smooth and successful event.
The president emphasized that Taiwan and the Holy See have always enjoyed close ties, and bilateral relations have advanced on many fronts. This past May, for example, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Cooperation in the Exchange of Financial Intelligence Related to Money Laundering, Associated Predicate Offenses and Terrorism Financing.
President Tsai further pointed out that, over the past year or so, numerous cardinals and archbishops have visited Taiwan, while Taiwan's Vice President Chen Chien-jen, Minister of Culture Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君), and Minister of Foreign Affairs David T. Lee (李大維) have travelled to the Holy See to take part in activities and meet with people in Rome. Hopefully, said the president, Taiwan and the Holy See can build even closer ties and further enhance their relationship.
President Tsai noted that in the papal message for the World Day of Peace issued this past January 1, Pope Francis specially mentioned that once the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development begins its work, "it will help the Church to promote in an ever more effective way 'the inestimable goods of justice, peace, and the care of creation.'" This makes it all the more significant that the Dicastery has decided to hold the World Congress of the Apostleship of the Sea in Taiwan. In the future, Taiwan will continue to stand together with the Holy See to answer the pope's call for world peace by supporting evangelization and humanitarian aid work, and by promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
And finally, President Tsai extended an invitation to the pope to visit Taiwan. She also asked Cardinal Turkson to convey that invitation to the pope, along with best regards from Taiwan, and wished the delegation a smooth and successful trip.
Also included in the delegation were Archbishop of Taipei John Hung Shan-chuan (洪山川) and Charge d'Affaires a.i. Monsignor Sladan Cosic of the Apostolic Nunciature in Taiwan.