BALTIC LAWMAKERS MEET TAIWAN’S TSAI — AP, Monday 29 November 2021
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Lawmakers from all three Baltic states met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Monday in a sign of further cooperation between European Union nations and Taiwan. It is the first joint visit to Taiwan by members of parliament from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Tsai welcomed the lawmakers, who are attending the 2021 Open Parliament Forum hosted by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Tsai noted the values and experiences that Taiwan has in common with the three countries: “Taiwan and the Baltic nations share similar experiences of breaking free of authoritarian rule and fighting for freedom. The democracy we enjoy today was hard earned. This is something we all understand most profoundly.” The head of the Lithuanian delegation, Matas Maldeikis, said: “We are here to express our solidarity with you. We hope the soon-to-be-open Lithuanian trade office in Taiwan will help to expand the partnership between Taiwan and Lithuania and contribute to a closer relationship with Taiwan and the whole European bloc.” China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the visit and warned parties to “stop sending wrong signals to the Taiwan independence force.”
CDB TO STRENGTHEN TIES WITH TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr Gene Leon, pledged to work more closely with Trinidad and Tobago following his first official visit to the twin island republic. “Trinidad and Tobago is one of the Bank’s largest shareholders and as the region faces unprecedented challenges, we pledge to work with the Government and the people to support economic prosperity and continued sustainable development,” President Leon said. Areas under consideration for collaboration include infrastructure development, renewable energy, environmental sustainability, climate smart agriculture, digital transformation and development of educational facilities.