President Tsai meets German Institute Taipei Director General Thomas Prinz
President Tsai Ing-wen met with German Institute Taipei Director General Thomas Prinz on the morning of February 25. She thanked Germany for recognizing the Taiwanese people's right to health and demonstrating support for Taiwan by speaking on behalf of the 27 member states of the European Union (EU) at the Executive Board session of the World Health Organization (WHO) earlier this month, saying that when global epidemics strike, no region should be excluded from the information-sharing process. She also expressed hope that as a key EU economy, Germany will support our bid to sign an investment protection agreement with the EU, thus creating a win-win for all parties.
A translation of the president's remarks follows:
I am delighted to meet with our good friends from Germany. Firstly, Director General Prinz, I want to thank you for posting a congratulatory message on the German Institute Taipei website just after I was re-elected that also recognized the close partnership between Taiwan and Germany.
Thanks to Director General Prinz and the assistance of those at the German Institute Taipei, exchanges between Taiwan and Germany have grown increasingly close. Deputy Director General Sabrina Schmidt-Koschella, who is here with us today, has served in Taiwan for almost six years and played a key role in advancing our ties. Ms. Schmidt-Koschella will be leaving Taiwan for a new post this July. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to take this opportunity to extend our deepest gratitude and wish you all the best.
On the development of the Taiwan-Germany relationship, I very much agree with what Director General Prinz said when he took office. It is indeed critical to maintain and create more opportunities for cooperation.
We have achieved a lot together over the past year and more. Last year, we signed four letters of intent covering autonomous driving, road safety, the mutual recognition of driver's licenses, and transitional justice. And our collaboration continues to expand into new areas. Earlier this year, we signed two more agreements on cooperation in banking and insurance information sharing, and expedited travel.
In addition to promoting cooperation in renewable energy and high-tech industries, we are also looking forward to deepening economic and trade relations with Germany and the EU. We hope that as a key EU economy, Germany will support our bid to sign an investment protection agreement with the EU, thus creating a win-win for all parties.
Both Taiwan and Germany share such values as democracy, freedom, and human rights. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Germany for recognizing our people's right to health. In another demonstration of support for Taiwan, Germany spoke on behalf of the 27 member states of the EU at the WHO Executive Board session earlier this month, saying that when global epidemics strike, no region should be excluded from the information-sharing process.
In July, Germany will take over the EU's rotating presidency. It is our hope that Germany will continue to use its influence to support Taiwan's international participation, allowing Taiwan and Germany to work together on the global stage and contribute even more to the world. In closing, I extend my appreciation to the German Institute Taipei once again for its assistance and look forward to hearing your valuable suggestions on Taiwan-Germany relations.