President of the Republic of China, Tsai Ing-wen, met with Akie Abe, the wife of the late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe today (21st). Tsai expressed gratitude to Shinzo Abe for initiating the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” vision and thanked Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for further implementing Shinzo Abe’s ideals.
In today’s meeting with Akie Abe, the delegation included Japanese Senator Kitamura Keio, Yamaguchi Prefecture Governor Morooka Tsunemasa, and the representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office, Kazuyuki Katayama.
Tsai Ing-wen stated in her remarks that Akie visited Taiwan last May to attend Tsai’s inauguration ceremony with Vice President Lai Ching-te and had a gathering at the Presidential Office. Today, Tsai warmly welcomed Akie’s visit again and was pleased to meet with the guests present.
The inaugural “HFX Taipei Forum” took place on the 20th, with Tsai mentioning that she attended the opening ceremony with Akie. Akie also delivered a keynote speech at the forum, offering valuable insights for global security and democratic development. Tsai expressed gratitude to Akie for her strong support for Taiwan by attending and sharing her thoughts.
Tsai Ing-wen thanked former Japanese Prime Minister Abe for first proposing the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” vision, urging the international community to pay attention to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. This vision has now become a common strategic goal for democratic countries worldwide, significantly impacting international relations and Taiwan’s security, a significant contribution by Abe to the region.
“After the recent summit between Japanese Prime Minister Kishida and US President Trump, they reiterated the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, opposing unilateral changes by force or coercion, and supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. This represents Prime Minister Kishida’s further implementation of former Prime Minister Abe’s vision,” Tsai Ing-wen remarked.
Tsai expressed her gratitude for Abe’s friendship towards Taiwan and Akie’s continuation of Abe’s vision, bringing a gentle yet firm power to regional peace and prosperity. She praised Akie for advocating continued attention to peace in the Taiwan Strait, especially mentioning Akie’s visit to the US last December to speak up for Taiwan, which deeply moved the Taiwanese people.
Facing the ongoing expansion of authoritarian regimes, Tsai emphasized Taiwan’s collaboration with like-minded countries such as Japan, the US, and the EU to contribute to global and regional peace and prosperity. She hoped that Akie’s efforts would continue to advance regional peace and prosperity.
Tsai Ing-wen revealed that Akie would meet with Lee Anne, daughter of former President Lee Teng-hui on the 22nd. “Both former Presidents Lee and Abe dedicated their lives to promoting Taiwan-Japan relations. We will uphold their ideals and spirits, safeguarding the values of freedom and democracy, and deepening the friendship between Taiwan and Japan.” Finally, she wished the delegation a smooth and fruitful visit.
During her speech, Akie Abe first expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Tsai for taking time out of her busy schedule to meet with her. She mentioned that Shinzo Abe, being from Yamaguchi Prefecture, would have felt gratified to see such a reception in his honor, along with the delegation from Yamaguchi, including Senator Kitamura Keio, Governor Morooka of Yamaguchi Prefecture, Vice Speaker Shimada, and many important figures from the prefecture.
Akie recalled President Tsai, then Vice President, paying her respects at Abe’s residence upon his passing, which touched her deeply. She also shared experiences of the Abe Memorial Image Exhibition held in Taiwan two years ago, where many Taiwanese from all walks of life attended. Last year, she had the privilege of attending President Tsai’s inauguration ceremony, meeting many Taiwanese friends and experiencing the close and beautiful Taiwan-Japan relationship firsthand.
Akie Abe pledged to uphold Abe’s legacy, striving to further advance Taiwan-Japan relations, seeking guidance from President Tsai and other distinguished guests present.