Visiting French lawmaker calls for closer ties with Taiwan

Taipei, May 21 (CNA) Visiting French parliamentarian Guillaume Kasbarian on Wednesday called for deeper exchanges between France and Taiwan during a meeting with Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) in Taipei.

"We are here to reaffirm our hope and willingness to collaborate more in the future," particularly in trade and investment, said Kasbarian, a member of the French National Assembly who arrived in Taiwan on Monday for a six-day visit.

He described the relationship between Taiwan and France as a partnership that goes beyond economic interests and is grounded in cultural exchange and the shared values of human rights, freedom and democracy.

At the same time, both sides face shared challenges in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, he said, citing the pursuit of greater sovereignty and independence, as well as the need to enhance cybersecurity.

Kasbarian, who was elected as a parliamentarian for the ruling party for a third time in January, is joined on his visit to Taiwan by three other French parliamentarians Estelle Youssouffa, Paul Midy, and Corentin Le Fur.

The delegation is also scheduled to meet with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) and several senior Taiwanese government officials responsible for economic affairs, digital development and foreign affairs, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.