TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Tsai Ing-wen met with former Japan Prime Minister Taro Aso on Tuesday (Aug. 8), praising robust economic ties with Japan and expressing gratitude for the strong support to increase Taiwan's global presence.
The meeting at the Taiwan Presidential Office focused on the positive outcome resulting from the collaborative endeavors from public and private sectors in the tourism industry and economic trades.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, President Tsai revealed the partnership has only grown stronger across multiple domains, addressing the bilateral trade between the two nations "surged to a historic peak of US＄88.2 billion in 2022."
President Tsai also remarked mutual visits between people of Taiwan and Japan reached 1.67 million as of the end of May this year.
In Aso's remarks, he praised longtime exchanges between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Youth Division and related sectors in Taiwan, even though the diplomatic tie ended in 1972.
"As the saying implies, a friend in need is indeed a true friend," he noted, "During difficult times, a friend offers support, and during moments of joy, they share in the happiness."
Recalling his last visit to Taiwan 12 years ago, Aso expressed a sincere desire to continue "contribute towards fortifying and enhancing the relationship between Taiwan and Japan."
Arrived a day prior for a three-day visit, the former Japan Prime Minister, also a member of the House of Representatives and the LDP Vice President, is the highest-level cadre of the LDP visiting Taiwan after over 50 years.
