Taipei, Sept. 23 (CNA) Asia-Pacific Culture Day aims to promote exchanges between Taiwan and other countries in the region and is also a great way to help push the government's New Southbound Policy, Premier Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said in his opening address Saturday.

Cultural links are the best way to establish closer relations between peoples, Lai said at the event held in the first floor concourse of Taipei Railway Station.

Since the government of President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) took office in May 2016, the New Southbound Policy has been a key element in trying to promote better relations with the countries of South Asia and Southeast Asia, he said.

According to the premier, the event is also a great platform to help Taiwanese learn about the cultures of other countries.

In an event organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Foreign Minister David Lee (李大維) said cultural exchanges with countries in the Asia-Pacific will help enrich the rich diversity of Taiwanese culture.

The Saturday event brought together exhibitors from six of Taiwan's Pacific allies and 19 other countries in the Asia-Pacific, including Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Tuvalu, the Republic of Palau, the Solomon Islands, India, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The culture day event covers food, music and various performances, and will run until Sunday.

(By Liu Chien-pang and Ko Lin)
Enditem/AW