The Formosa Club in Europe is holding its annual summit in Taipei this week.

The club's conference chair Rihards Kols says the event is being held in
Taiwan in recognition that the island is not only as a partner, but as a
trusted democratic ally that stands on the frontline of defending democracy.

Kols said Taiwan's prosperity has direct implications "for global security,
and for European economic stability, and for the credibility of the
international rules-based order."

The Latvian politician went on to say the Formosa Club has become a major
international platform supporting Taiwan's inclusion in international
institutions such as the World Health Organization and Interpol ..

It also regularly issues statements condemning military provocations in the
Taiwan Strait, and standing against disinformation, cyber threats and
economic coercion.

As he welcomed members of the Club to Taiwan, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung
told them that the cross-party platform of European lawmakers shows that
democratic solidarity knows no borders.

... and that this year's gathering is of significance because it marks the
first time the Formosa Club's annual conference is being held in Taipei.

A total of 45 parliamentarians from the European Parliament and 18 European
national parliaments are in Taiwan for the event.