Rome: Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung on Wednesday made a rare visit to Italy to inaugurate the country’s renovated representative office in Rome and meet with Italian parliamentarians, as part of his ongoing European trip. At the ceremony, Lin highlighted the shared values between Taiwan and Italy, emphasizing freedom, democracy, and human rights, which form the basis of their close exchanges across various fields. The upgraded office, he noted, symbolizes a new chapter in bilateral relations.
According to Focus Taiwan, Lin described Taiwan and Italy as complementary and trusted economic partners. He cited Italy’s strengths in innovation, design, and industry alongside Taiwan’s expertise in technology, green energy, and manufacturing as key areas of cooperation that benefit both nations and the global supply chain. Lin’s visit to Europe aims to promote the government’s “Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025” campaign, which will feature performing arts groups and exhibitions of artifacts.
The ceremony was attended by notable guests, including Italy-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group President and Senator Lucio Malan, Senate Vice-President Gian Marco Centinaio, and Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies’ Foreign Affairs Committee Paolo Formentini. Centinaio welcomed Lin to Italy and noted that Taiwan’s decision to open a second representative office in Milan in 2023, along with the renovation of the Rome office, reflects warming bilateral ties. He commended Taiwan as a democratic model and assured President Lai Ching-te of Italy’s steadfast support for Taiwan.
Lin’s European itinerary, kept private due to its sensitive nature, began in the Czech Republic, where he promoted “Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025.” While there, he attended the opening of the exhibition “100 Treasures, 100 Stories: Treasures from the National Palace Museum.” This exhibition showcases artifacts from Taiwan’s National Palace Museum.
Taiwan’s foreign ministers seldom make public visits to countries without diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has withheld further details about Lin’s itinerary, revealing only that he is in Europe for the “Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025” campaign and that additional information will be provided in due course.
