Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) met with Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chairman Mitsuo Ohashi and his delegation on Monday. In his remarks, Cho praised Ohashi for his significant contributions to strengthening Taiwan-Japan relations. He noted that under Ohashi's leadership, bilateral exchanges have become even more robust.
Cho recalled Ohashi’s statement that the friendship between Japan and Taiwan should be extended globally to promote world peace and prevent warfare. He acknowledged Japan's support for Taiwan during critical moments and expressed hope that Taiwan could join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to further enhance cooperation with Japan.
Ohashi remarked that Japan is closely following Taiwan’s recent debates over legislative reform bills and the conflicts between the ruling and opposition parties. He noted that Japan has sent parliamentary delegations to better understand these issues. He also expressed interest in learning more from Taiwan’s newly established committee dedicated to addressing climate change and energy concerns.
Ohashi emphasized that while relationships between neighboring countries are often strained, the friendship between Japan and Taiwan serves as a model for the world. He expressed his commitment to strengthening Japan-Taiwan relations and pledged Japan's efforts to meet Taiwan’s expectations.