Canadian Northwest Territories MP visits Taiwan, Foreign Ministry hopes to expand critical minerals cooperation

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a four-person delegation of members of the Legislative Assembly of Canada's Northwest Territories, led by MLA Shane Thompson, for a luncheon on August 18. The visit aimed to foster deeper ties and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation between Taiwan and the Canadian territory.

During the meeting, Taiwan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chen Ming-chi, highlighted the importance of Indigenous issues as a key area of collaboration between Taiwan and Canada. He noted that recent years have seen deepened exchanges in trade, education, and healthcare under the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Agreement (IPETCA). Chen expressed Taiwan's keen interest in expanding future cooperation with the Northwest Territories, particularly in the fields of clean energy and critical minerals, areas where the territory is known to possess abundant resources.

Shane Thompson, the head of the delegation, remarked that this was the first visit to Taiwan for all members. They expressed their deep impression of Taiwan's technological advancements, the quality of its people, and its urban governance. The delegation's visit included plans to tour Indigenous communities to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan's Indigenous cultures. Additionally, they aimed to promote the rich tourism resources of the Northwest Territories, thereby strengthening the connection between Canada and Taiwan.

Discussions during the luncheon covered a range of topics, including Taiwan-Canada relations, Indigenous exchanges, and sustainable development. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed its commitment to continuing to deepen dialogue and cooperation at all levels with Canada. This includes further expanding exchanges and collaborations in areas such as Indigenous affairs, education, tourism, and critical minerals, with the goal of continuously advancing the partnership between the two sides.