President Tsai meets Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji
On the morning of January 14, President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation led by Japanese House of Representatives Member and Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji. In remarks, the president thanked the council for their dedication to making the case in the Diet to further Taiwan-Japan cooperation and exchanges. The president also expressed hope that they will continue to give Taiwan their full support to allow Taiwan and Japan to work together to contribute to regional prosperity and development, and continue to deepen our partnership in all areas.
A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows:
I would like to welcome Chairman Furuya and House of Representatives Member Kaneko Yasushi of the Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council to Taiwan to observe the general election, and express their congratulations to the president- and vice president-elect.
International media have commented that in 2024, Taiwan's presidential election is the most important election in Asia. We saw the people of Taiwan demonstrate mature dedication to democracy, participating in a peaceful and smooth election process while casting an important vote for Taiwan. Going forward, Taiwan will maintain its steady, stable course. We will continue to play an internationally reliable role, safeguard free and democratic values, and engage with the world.
At the beginning of this month, Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea held the inaugural trilateral Indo-Pacific Dialogue. I would like to thank the Japanese government for reaffirming their support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait in the joint statement issued after that meeting. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to do its utmost to maintain regional peace and stability. We look forward to continuing to deepen the Taiwan-Japan partnership in all areas.
I want to thank the Consultative Council for their dedication to Taiwan-Japan relations. Over the past few years under Chairman Furuya's leadership, the council has made the case in the Diet to advance cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and Japan. I hope that Chairman Furuya and House of Representatives Member Kaneko will continue to give their utmost support to Taiwan in the future, and allow Taiwan and Japan to work together to contribute to regional prosperity and development.
At the beginning of this month, an earthquake struck Japan's Noto Peninsula. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to once again express our condolences. Taiwanese citizens have initiated donation campaigns, and we hope that the reconstruction work will go smoothly.
Taiwan and Japan are staunch partners offering mutual support. In the new year, we look forward to continuing to walk shoulder to shoulder and overcome challenges together.
Chairman Furuya then delivered remarks, stating that Taiwan's presidential election the previous day was a historic moment which attracted great attention in countries around the world. Many Japanese media outlets also came to Taiwan to cover the event, he added, and the lead article on the front pages of that morning's newspapers all featured extensive reports, which showed that for Japan, this was important news.
Chairman Furuya then expressed special thanks to President Tsai and Vice President Lai Ching-te for the heartfelt condolences they offered following the Noto Peninsula earthquake on January 1, saying that the charitable donations from the Taiwan government and private sector to assist Japan with reconstruction exemplify the adage that "a friend in need is a friend indeed."
This presidential election in Taiwan, Chairman Furuya said, was an important page in history, as elections are the starting point for establishing a democratic system. Through this election, he remarked, the Democratic Progressive Party successfully gained its third consecutive term of office. Chairman Furuya expressed that despite China's numerous and varied efforts to interfere with the election, Taiwan was not affected by external influences, and still chose its own national leaders through a democratic process, which also sent a very important message to the world.
Chairman Furuya feels that this election also helped consolidate Taiwan's internal unity. All free and democratic countries that are governed by the rule of law and enjoy basic human rights must closely cooperate, he said, especially those in East Asia and the free and open Indo-Pacific region, a concept advocated by former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, hoping to foster peaceful and stable relations. He stated that in the future, the Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council will continue to cooperate with the Taiwan government and take relevant action to realize that ideal.
Chairman Furuya went on to say that Taiwan-Japan relations have entered a new era. He expressed that looking ahead, although both countries face many serious challenges in areas including economic issues, social well-being, security, and energy, we can certainly collaborate to create a better future together. The chairman added that Japan will also closely cooperate with other countries to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Chairman Furuya then said that over the past eight years, President Tsai has made every effort to promote Taiwan-Japan relations with considerable success, for which he expressed special thanks. As her term of office ends on May 20, he also wished President Tsai a splendid final chapter, and wholeheartedly invited her to visit and travel around Japan thereafter.
Also in attendance at the meeting was Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.