A Swiss parliamentary delegation has met with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) to discuss strengthening relations between the two countries. The group of cross-party parliamentarians met with Tsai on Monday and will remain in Taiwan until Friday.
National Councilors Fabian Molina and Nicolas Walder are leading the delegation and are also co-presidents of the Swiss-Taiwan Friendship Group. This is the first time Switzerland has sent a cross-party parliamentary group to Taiwan since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Tsai says the two countries have grown closer, and the Swiss parliament is paying more attention to Taiwan issues. She says she hopes Taiwan and Switzerland can work together on issues like internet security and fighting disinformation.
Molina says the Swiss parliament has been working to strengthen relations with Taiwan in terms of business, politics, technology, and culture. He adds that Switzerland is serving on the UN Security Council for the next two years, and that peaceful communication is the only way to settle issues between China and Taiwan.
Walder says Switzerland will use its global influence to advocate for Taiwan’s inclusion in the WHO and other international organizations. He adds that Russia and China’s actions affect global stability, and democracies need to work together to oppose these threats.