Frederic Laplanche, outgoing head of the European Economic and Trade Office in Taipei. (CNA file photo)

Taipei, July 31 (CNA) The outgoing top European Union official in Taiwan has been awarded a medal in recognition of his efforts to promote relations between Taiwan and the EU over the past four years, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Minister David Lin (林永樂) conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Violet Grand Cordon upon Frederic Laplanche, the head of the European Economic and Trade Office in Taipei, during a ceremony that took place Thursday.

Since Laplanche assumed his post in Taiwan in July 2011, he has made great efforts to advance bilateral cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and Europe, the ministry said.

During his tenure, he has also contributed to expanding bilateral cooperation from trade to education, culture, justice, human rights, technology, nuclear safety and anti-piracy, as well as homeland and communication security, the ministry said.

Over the four years, the EU has also issued statements to recognize President Ma Ying-jeou's (馬英九) peaceful approach in dealing with China ties, support Taiwan's participation in international organizations and laud Taiwan's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it added.

Laplanche is a French diplomat and his previous posts include a stint in France's embassy in China. He is scheduled to complete his post in Taiwan in late August.

(By Elaine Hou)
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