Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung (吳志中) held a virtual meeting with Yvonne Magwas, Vice President of Germany’s Bundestag, on Tuesday to discuss public health and economic cooperation.
Wu thanked Magwas for her long-standing support for Taiwan and congratulated Magwas’ Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and party leader Friedrich Merz on their success in Germany’s parliamentary elections.
As the U.S. moves forward with its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), Wu highlights how Germany is one of the WHO’s most important supporters. He says Taiwan will continue to work closely with Germany to contribute to global public health.
Magwas says the German parliament will review national defense and infrastructure bills. She says European countries must strengthen their self-defense capabilities to counter authoritarian expansion and that democratic nations must stand together to safeguard freedom and democracy.
The two also discussed Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) investment in Germany. Wu says he believes TSMC’s presence will further strengthen economic and technological cooperation between Taiwan and Germany. Magwas, who is from Saxony, says she appreciates TSMC’s investment in Dresden, adding that it not only boosts bilateral economic ties but also proves that Taiwan and Germany are democratic partners with shared values.