A delegation from the Irish Senate arrived in Taiwan on Sunday to meet with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) and other high-level government officials, according to the Foreign Ministry.
The five-member delegation, led by Vice Chairman of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Diarmuid Wilson, is visiting until July 19 at the invitation of Taiwan. The trip aims to enhance understanding of Taiwan's democratic development and cross-strait relations as well as strengthen bilateral relations between Taiwan and Ireland.
The delegation's itinerary over the next few days also includes meetings with Vice Premier Johnny Chiang (江啟臣) and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), in addition to a visit to the National Housing and Urban Regeneration Center. The group will also travel to well-known tourist spots such as Jiaoxi, Yilan, and Taipei 101.
The Foreign Ministry noted that this is Senator Wilson’s third time leading a delegation visit to Taiwan. It said that members of the group are all staunch friends of Taiwan and have supported Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly and other international organizations. The other delegation members are Senators Gerard Craughwell, Gerry Horkan, Sharon Keogan, and Garret Ahearn.