President Ma Ying-jeou stressed the importance of extending the cooperation between the two nations. (Photo: media.president.gov.tw)

Meetings on bilateral fishery talks under discussion

TAIWAN
Wednesday, October 31, 2012, 01:30 (GMT + 9)

President Ma Ying-jeou this week said that Taiwan and Japan would benefit from combining their forces to expand cooperation in various areas. The two nations are now considering holding preparatory meetings before a 17th round of bilateral fishery talks.

The two countries do not have formal diplomatic relations, but they have remained close friends, Ma said. He received a visiting group from Japan this week.

Some officials with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said they hope that the fishery talks will be held next month, "but the time (for the talks) does not necessarily have to fall in November," stated Chou Yin-hwou, deputy director-general of the ministry's Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, CNA reports.

According to Chou, Taiwan and Japan are still trying to assemble preparatory meetings that will decide the date, location and agenda of the talks regarding fishing rights in waters near the disputed Diaoyutai Islands in the East China Sea.

"Taiwanese and Japanese officials are all willing to gather at the negotiating table to resolve the matter of fishing rights near the Diaoyutai Islands," he said.

The two countries have been trying to get talks going on fishing rights for over a month, since Japan first stirred up tension over the islands in question by buying three of the islets from their private owner, at which point Taiwan retaliated by moving more than 60 boats, accompanied by Coast Guard vessels, toward the Diaoyutais to insist on their fishing rights.

As far as the amicable relations between the two countries, in January-August 2012, the number of Japanese investors in Taiwan shot up to surpass those from other countries, Ma noted, and all types of cooperation between the two countries could be increased as long as the two countries are willing to work together.

This week’s visiting Japanese delegation, led by Yasuhisa Shiozaki, a member of Japan's House of Representatives, was in Taipei for the opening of a calligraphy exhibition at National Dr Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.

Japan’s visit is part of the country’s efforts to thank Taiwan for its relief aid after last year’s earthquake and tsunami.

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By Natalia Real
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com

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