President Tsai congratulates Japan Prime Minister Kishida on taking office
On October 4, Presidential Office Spokesperson Xavier Chang (張惇涵) said that President Tsai Ing-wen, on behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, sincerely congratulates Liberal Democratic Party President Fumio Kishida on his election as Japan's 100th prime minister following an extraordinary session of the National Diet, and extends her best wishes to the new government led by Kishida in its work to promote the development and prosperity of Japan.
Spokesperson Chang noted that Taiwan and Japan enjoy a close and abiding friendship, and that in keeping with our peoples' longstanding tradition of mutual support, we have assisted each other during the COVID-19 pandemic, exemplifying a virtuous cycle of solidarity between democratic partners. These efforts have both deepened bilateral ties and become a model for international cooperation in the fight against COVID-19.
Spokesperson Chang said that Taiwan and Japan are steadfast partners with shared values and a strong foundation on which to further expand and diversify our cooperation. Spokesperson Chang also expressed hope that this virtuous cycle will extend into all areas of our relationship, driving further collaboration to promote our peoples' well-being and advancing regional prosperity, development, peace, and stability.
Spokesperson Chang also expressed that President Tsai is grateful to former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga for his support for Taiwan during his time in office. Under Prime Minister Suga, the Japanese government provided five timely vaccine donations to Taiwan, worked to uphold peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the region, and welcomed Taiwan's participation in international economic and trade affairs. Spokesperson Chang added that the Taiwanese people are deeply touched by this support, and once again expressed President Tsai's sincere thanks.