On 26 December, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issued its report card for the year, stressing that “steadfast diplomacy is paying handsome dividends for Taiwan by greatly expanding the country’s international space while safeguarding the values of freedom and democracy.” The year 2019 is one marked with tremendous achievements in promoting relations with the country’s diplomatic allies, the MOFA said, adding that ties with the U.S. are at an all-time high, while relations with Japan and the EU continue to go from strength to strength. The minisistry also cited its efforts in bolstering international cooperation through various initiatives, including the Taiwan-U.S. Global Cooperative Training Framework launched in 2015, which saw Australia, Japan and Sweden co-organize workshops for the first time this year, as well as the joint staging with the EU of a gender mainstreaming workshop and an LGBTI human rights conference.
MOFA also highlighted the unprecedented support from the global community for Taiwan’s pragmatic and professional participation in the meetings and mechanisms of the UN, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and World Health Organization (WHO).The year saw frequent exchanges among leaders and dignitaries of Taiwan and its allies, including state visits by President Tsai Ing-wen to the Pacific and Caribbean, as well as visits to Taiwan by high level officials from Belize, Guatemala, Nauru, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.The ministry said it will continue working all out to expand Taiwan’s international space and promote the country’s democratic achievements while contributing to a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
