TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Deputy Legislative Speaker Chiang Chi-chen (江啟臣) welcomed a Portuguese parliamentary delegation on Tuesday.
Chiang and delegation leader Joao Pinho de Almeida exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including declining birth rates, cross-strait relations, education and culture, immigration policy and social security, according to the Legislative Yuan.
Chiang said Taiwan hopes to learn from Portugal’s experience in green energy policy, energy planning and sustainability practices as it advances its energy transition.
He also hoped the delegation would experience Taiwan’s natural beauty and cultural diversity firsthand. Many historical buildings and cultural developments across Taiwan have deep connections with European maritime nations such as Spain and the Netherlands, he said.
The deputy speaker said the visit would help the delegation gain a better understanding of Taiwanese society. He expressed optimism that Portugal might establish a representative office in Taiwan in the future, which would further enhance bilateral exchanges.
Almeida said that although Portugal and Taiwan do not have formal diplomatic relations, bilateral ties have grown closer and Portugal is willing to expand cooperation with Taiwan across more fields. He emphasized that the visit underscores the importance that Portugal’s political community places on Taiwan.
The lawmaker said he hopes that by gaining a firsthand understanding of Taiwan’s current situation, both sides can work together to deepen bilateral relations and continue garnering support for Taiwan in the UN.
Almeida added that Taiwan’s performance in the global economy is widely recognized, and he encouraged more economic and trade dialogue between the two sides. He suggested that high-level exchanges in the economic or green energy sectors could be arranged in the future. He added that Portugal has strong natural conditions for wind and solar power and is investing in hydropower.