Premier Chen Chien-jen on Thursday received Czech Senator Pavel Fischer, chairperson of the Senate's Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security. The premier expressed his gratitude to Senator Fischer for long supporting the deepening of Taiwan-Czech relations, facilitating numerous pro-Taiwan resolutions in the Czech Senate, and advocating for Taiwan's participation in international organizations.
The premier said Taiwan and the Czech Republic share similar beliefs and common values including freedom and democracy. He hopes that through further exchanges between high-level officials, the two nations can facilitate practical cooperation across various fields and jointly respond to the threats posed by authoritarianism expansionism, thus lifting Taiwan-Czech relations to new heights.
In his remarks, Senator Fischer said that promoting Taiwan's international participation is a goal shared by the Czech Republic. Since many governments take part in international organizations alongside non-government organizations, experts and the business community, there is no reason why Taiwan should be excluded.
Senator Fischer emphasized that economic prosperity cannot be pursued to the detriment of national security interests. In the face of coercion and attacks from those who would like to stifle our freedoms, we must be aware that we can become stronger together, he said. Senator Fischer also pledged to continue doing his best in the Czech Senate to facilitate future cooperation between the Czech Republic and Taiwan.