TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Vice President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation of Canadian parliamentarians on Wednesday (July 5), discussing bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Canada, the shared values of democracy, freedom, and human rights, and Taiwan's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
The delegation, led by Melissa Lantsman, deputy leader of the Conservative Party in the Canadian House of Commons, and seven cross-party members, arrived in Taiwan a day earlier and will conclude their visit until July 9.
During the meeting, Vice President Lai highlighted the shared values of democracy, freedom, and human rights between Taiwan and Canada. He emphasized the importance of strengthening economic and trade ties and regional security cooperation between the two nations.
Vice President Lai also expressed his satisfaction with the commencement of negotiations for the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA), which aligns with Canada's interests in the Indo-Pacific region and will further enhance the future economic development of both countries.
Moreover, Vice President Lai shared Taiwan's eagerness to join the CPTPP. Canada, an important member of the agreement, will assume the rotating chairmanship next year. The vice president emphasized Taiwan's potential to play a crucial role in the global supply chain and further collaborate with Canada to promote global economic development.
The Canadian delegation recognized the deep-rooted friendship between Canada and Taiwan based on shared values such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
Lantsman also expressed support for Taiwan's full participation in various international organizations, including the World Health Assembly, International Civil Aviation Organization, and the CPTPP.