Accompanied by Taiwan's representative to France Wu Chih-chung (吳志中), Culture Minister Lee Yung-te visited the French senate on June 20 and met with the Chairman of the French Senate's Taiwan Friendship Group, Alain Richard. They had a discussion on topics including cultural exchanges between Taiwan and France, higher education, academic research, the pandemic, and the international situation.
Minister Lee indicated that France has been known as the champion of freedom, while Taiwan is the country with the most academic and creative freedom in the Chinese-speaking world. As both countries share the common value of freedom of thought, he believes that building a strong relationship based on trust is possible, and it is likely to expand cooperation in education and culture. He also mentioned that he is looking forward to having the chance to not only present Taiwan's art and creativity to the people of France during the Paris Olympics in 2024 but also work with France to co-produce and co-create.
Chairman Richard also showed his concerns about Taiwan's international situation. Amidst globalization, countries have realized there are higher risks in relying too much on unreliable countries, he added. Therefore, he believes Taiwan will be able to expand its influence globally through its great performance and drive global economic development.
In response, Minister Lee said after the pandemic and Russian invasion of Ukraine, the drive for international politics has changed. Countries around the world started to take "social values" into consideration, and that is why Taiwan has drawn international attention. Faced with the increasing threats from China, Taiwan will increase its defense capability and hopes to forge closer ties with democratic countries around the world.
It is Minister Lee's first official visit to Europe since he took office in 2020. He began his eight-day European tour in Germany on June 13 before traveling to the Czech Republic and France.