TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Thursday (Nov. 21) expressed gratitude to Canadian political, academic, and business leaders for their unwavering support of Taiwan. She urged them to leverage their influence to back Taiwan's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP, 跨太平洋夥伴全面進步協定).
Tsai met with Canadian federal MP Judy Sgro in Toronto, emphasizing that Taiwan-Canada cooperation would enhance mutual security, prosperity, and resilience. She noted that despite American singer Taylor Swift's concert in Toronto, Canadian friends attended the dinner, demonstrating their support for Taiwan.
Tsai particularly thanked Sgro for her three visits to Taiwan during her presidency, highlighting the significance of her support when Taiwan faced pressure. In May, Sgro attended President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) inauguration, marking a heartfelt farewell for Tsai.
Tsai recalled Canadian representative to Taiwan Jim Nickel's comments on the remarkable progress in Taiwan-Canada relations, rooted in shared values and interests. She appreciated Canadian leaders' friendship and support and anticipated further strengthening of bilateral partnerships.
On Facebook, Tsai thanked overseas Taiwanese for promoting Taiwan globally and enjoyed reuniting with compatriots in Toronto. She described Taiwan and Canada as democratic partners pursuing freedom and peace, with highly complementary industrial structures and Taiwan's crucial role in the global supply chain.
Tsai urged Taiwanese in Canada to continue influencing more countries to support Taiwan's CPTPP membership, deepening Taiwan-Canada ties and fostering closer cooperation.