Vice President Hsiao Meiqin went to Italy to attend the Ventotene Forum: Conveying a message of Taiwan’s determination

Vice President Siu Meiqin visited Italy to attend the "Ventotene European Forum for Freedom and Democracy" and returned home early yesterday morning. She said that the greatest significance of this trip is to let Taiwan's voice be heard by more people in a place of profound historical significance. She also wants to convey a firm message - no matter how difficult the situation is, Taiwan will continue to bravely walk with the world.

Ventotene Declaration The Enlightenment of the European Union

Xiao Meiqin said that with the full support of President Lai Ching-te and the guidance of the president's foreign policy towards Europe, she accepted the invitation jointly by the Vice-President of the European Parliament Picienno and the Director of the Italian Office of the European Parliament Clazza to attend the second "Ventotene European Forum on Freedom and Democracy" on the Italian island of Ventotene.

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Xiao Meiqin pointed out that Ventotene Island was the place where Spinelli and other Italian political prisoners who resisted fascism were imprisoned during World War II. The "Ventotene Declaration" they proposed inspired the federalist ideas that promoted the European Union in post-war Europe; in the following eighty years, Europe recovered from the war. Stepping out of the shadow of ravaging and totalitarian rule and establishing a society with democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law as its core is just like Taiwan's long road from the authoritarian era to freedom and democracy. Both prove that democracy and freedom do not fall from the sky, but are the fruits of the people's continuous struggle, practice, and protection.

Taiwan’s voice is heard by more people

Xiao Meiqin said that the challenges faced by democratic countries have never disappeared. Authoritarianism, gray zone threats, and challenges of using force or coercion to change the status quo continue to appear in different forms in different places.

Xiao Meiqin mentioned that the trip was not announced to the public before departure in order to avoid unnecessary interference and ensure a safe arrival at the destination. It took about 27 hours to set off from Taiwan by plane, car, and ferry, and also encountered harsh weather and walruses. She sincerely thanks the international partners who have long been friendly to Taiwan and continue to strengthen Taiwan's connection with Europe and the world.