Premier Chen Chien-jen on Thursday received a delegation from the Baltic states led by the foreign affairs committee chairs of the Estonian, Lithuanian and Latvian national parliaments. The premier thanked each of the Baltic states for supporting Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization during the last four years, in addition to speaking out on behalf of Taiwan at this year's World Health Assembly meeting held in May.
Premier Chen emphasized that the Russia-Ukraine war highlights the interconnectedness of Eurasian security and the importance of collaboration between like-minded democratic nations. The premier hopes that Taiwan and the Baltic states will continue to strengthen cooperation by building upon the existing firm foundations, expanding and consolidating their friendship to produce mutually beneficial outcomes and achieve an enduring cooperative relationship.
Marko Mihkelson, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Estonian parliament, said in his remarks that Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania share many of the same values and understand the challenges faced by small nations. The delegation's joint visit aims to better understand Taiwan's situation, as well as how democratic societies can benefit from each other by enhancing cooperation on international and multilateral forums, the economy, innovation and many other areas.
Chairman Mihkelson emphasized that Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are strong democracies of freedom-loving people. As members of the EU, NATO and the international community, the three nations are actively participating in diplomatic efforts to strengthen support for Ukraine and defend the rules-based world order. The delegation's joint visit to Taiwan is to show solidarity, the chairman said.