While meeting with British Office Taipei Representative Catherine Nettleton on the morning of June 5, President Tsai Ing-wen stated that as we face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, exchanges between Taiwan and the United Kingdom not only help global efforts to end the pandemic, but also spur the development of our nations' biomedical industries. She also expressed hope to work with the United Kingdom to support the people of Hong Kong, uphold universal values, and contribute more to the world together.
A translation of the president's remarks follows:
Welcome to the Presidential Office once again! We last met at the inauguration on May 20. Thank you again for your kind congratulations. It is indeed a pleasure to see you again to discuss bilateral matters.
Over the past few years, we have seen cooperation between Taiwan and the United Kingdom continue to grow deeper in many areas, thanks to the staunch support of the British Office. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine research and development are now top priorities for all governments, and Taiwan and the United Kingdom have already initiated exchanges on these issues. I believe that such exchanges not only help global efforts to end this pandemic, but also spur the development of our nations' biomedical industries.
Taiwan and the United Kingdom are like-minded partners. Soon after the resolution on national security legislation for Hong Kong, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, the US Secretary of State, and the Foreign Ministers of Canada and Australia issued a joint statement expressing concern. I understand that your government is exploring response measures. We have also initiated a working group in Taiwan to offer help to our friends in Hong Kong.
Taiwan and the United Kingdom share the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights, and we look forward to working with the United Kingdom to support the people of Hong Kong, uphold these core values, and contribute more to the world together.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the United Kingdom for supporting Taiwan's international participation, and to you, Representative Nettleton, and your team for your efforts and support for Taiwan. I look forward to hearing your input, and I hope you will send my congratulations to Prime Minister Boris Johnson on his full recovery and the birth of his new baby.
