04:24Germany: 'Minister will be in Taiwan for two-day visit' - Govt spox confirms first official visit in 26 years
Martin Kleinemas, spokesperson of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, confirmed during a press briefing in Berlin on Friday that German Minister of Education and Research, Bettina Stark-Watzinger, will go on an official trip to Taiwan next week.
"The aim of the trip is to strengthen and expand cooperation with Taiwan in science, research, and education. Taiwan is a high-tech location and a world leader in the development and production of semiconductors, which is also one of the focal points," he said.
Foreign Minister spokesperson Christian Wagner affirmed that Germany maintains ‘close and good relations’ with Taiwan in many areas, including economy, culture, education, science, and research.
“Taiwan is a democracy and an important trade and investment partner for Germany, so regular exchanges and mutual visits by the responsible ministers are completely normal and also in line with our One China policy, which we have often explained here and which hasn't changed either," Wagned stated.
Stark-Watzinger's trip to Taiwan marks the highest-level visit by a German authority to the island in 26 years. In the last weeks, representatives from European Union countries and the United States have visited Taipei, showing cooperation relations with the regional government.
04:24Martin Kleinemas, spokesperson of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, confirmed during a press briefing in Berlin on Friday that German Minister of Education and Research, Bettina Stark-Watzinger, will go on an official trip to Taiwan next week.
"The aim of the trip is to strengthen and expand cooperation with Taiwan in science, research, and education. Taiwan is a high-tech location and a world leader in the development and production of semiconductors, which is also one of the focal points," he said.
Foreign Minister spokesperson Christian Wagner affirmed that Germany maintains ‘close and good relations’ with Taiwan in many areas, including economy, culture, education, science, and research.
“Taiwan is a democracy and an important trade and investment partner for Germany, so regular exchanges and mutual visits by the responsible ministers are completely normal and also in line with our One China policy, which we have often explained here and which hasn't changed either," Wagned stated.
Stark-Watzinger's trip to Taiwan marks the highest-level visit by a German authority to the island in 26 years. In the last weeks, representatives from European Union countries and the United States have visited Taipei, showing cooperation relations with the regional government.