President Tsai meets delegation led by Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chairman Mitsuo Ohashi
During a meeting with a delegation led by Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chairman Mitsuo Ohashi on the afternoon of November 29, President Tsai Ing-wen noted that Taiwan and Japan have maintained stable relations and close exchanges. She also expressed hope that the Japanese government will support Taiwan's participation in the second round of negotiations on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
In remarks, President Tsai pointed out that Chairman Ohashi has visited Taiwan more than 10 times since taking his post. He has signed more than 10 bilateral cooperation agreements with Taiwan, and has assisted in the holding of numerous conferences focusing on such matters as economic and trade ties, fisheries, and marine science, making him a key force in Taiwan-Japan relations.
The president noted that Chairman Ohashi attended two meetings on his current trip to Taiwan—the Taiwan-Japan Commission on Cooperation in Third Country Markets on November 28 and the "43rd Taiwan-Japan Economic and Trade Conference" on November 29-30—both of which are extremely important to bilateral relations, and she again thanked Chairman Ohashi for his visit.
President Tsai further pointed out that Japan is Taiwan's third largest trading partner, while Taiwan is Japan's fourth largest trading partner, therefore Taiwan's entry into the CPTPP would have profound strategic significance for both sides. She expressed hope that Chairman Ohashi will help gain the support of the Japanese government for Taiwan's participation in the second round of CPTPP negotiations.
Finally, President Tsai emphasized that Taiwan and Japan have maintained stable relations and close exchanges, and said she looks forward to continued enhancement of bilateral relations.
Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Mikio Numata was also present at the meeting.