During a meeting with Canadian Trade Office in Taipei Executive Director Jordan Reeves on the morning of July 7, President Tsai Ing-wen stated that COVID-19's impact on the global economy makes it imperative that all nations work together. She expressed hope that Taiwan can become a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and sign a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) with Canada to help increase regional economic momentum. The president also emphasized that Taiwan will continue to work with Canada and other like-minded partners to safeguard freedom and democracy worldwide.

A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows:

Since assuming his post nearly two years ago, Mr. Reeves has shown great dedication in promoting Taiwan-Canada exchanges. He has also recently given media interviews, sharing his valuable insights on Taiwan-Canada cooperation.

Taiwan and Canada are like-minded nations that share universal values like freedom, democracy, and human rights. So due to the passage of the Hong Kong national security law, we are especially concerned about the situation there.

In response to these events, Taiwan established the world's first office dedicated to assisting people in Hong Kong, demonstrating both our beliefs and our resolve. Taiwan is the first line of defense for democratic values. We will continue to work with Canada and other like-minded partners to safeguard freedom and democracy worldwide.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Canadian government for supporting Taiwan's international participation. In a January session of the Canadian Parliament, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke out in favor of granting Taiwan observer status in the World Health Organization. Ninety Canadian parliamentarians also sent a joint letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs François-Philippe Champagne advocating Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations.

In addition to cooperating on international issues, over the next two years Mr. Reeves also wants to vigorously promote Taiwan-Canada exchanges and cooperation in innovation and technology. And we fully support those goals.

Taiwan also welcomes closer exchanges with Canada in all areas. COVID-19's impact on the global economy makes it imperative that all nations work together and make preparations to revitalize their economies. If Taiwan can become a CPTPP member and sign a FIPA with Canada, I am sure that will help increase regional economic momentum and promote Taiwan-Canada trade relations.

Mr. Reeves, as this is your second posting to Taiwan, we welcome you back as a good friend. And I hope that we can work together to achieve even more progress and breakthroughs in Taiwan-Canada relations.

Also present at the meeting was Michael McCulloch, Director of General Relations at the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei.