Local senator leads Irish delegation to Taiwan

Fianna Fáil’s Sen Wilson is Vice Chair of the upper house’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee.

A delegation from the Irish Seanad, led by Cavan’s Diarmuid Wilson, arrived in Taiwan at the weekend where they will meet with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and other high-level government officials.

Fianna Fáil’s Sen Wilson is Vice Chair of the upper house’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee.

Cavan woman and fellow Seanad member, Sharon Keogan, is also among the five-member delegation that landed in Taiwan last Sunday, and will fly back on Friday, July 19.

Other delegation members are Senators Gerard Craughwell, Gerry Horkan, and Garret Ahearn.

The purpose of the trip is to enhance understanding of Taiwan’s democratic development and cross-strait relations, as well as work towards strengthening the bilateral relations that already exist between Taiwan and Ireland.

The delegation’s itinerary includes meetings with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, meetings with Legislative Yuan Vice President Johnny C. Chiang, Foreign Minister Lin and Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Shen Yu-chung, as well as a banquet hosted by Vice Foreign Minister Remus Li-Kuo Chen.

Vice Premier Johnny Chiang and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung will also meet the delegation, in addition to a scheduled visit to the National Housing and Urban Regeneration Centre.

The Irish grouping will also travel to various well-known tourist spots on the island such as the Jiaoxi Hot Springs, the famously scenic Yilan County, and Taipei 101, formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center. This is Sen Wilson’s third time leading a delegation visit to Taiwan.

Parliamentary delegations from Taiwan’s allies Guatemala and the Marshall Islands have also arrived for meetings.