Several Swiss parliamentarians promised on Monday to deepen bilateral relations with Taiwan and declared that authoritarianism and war must not prevail, DPA reports, Agerpres reads.

The parliamentary delegation, led jointly by Fabian Molina from the Social Democratic Party and Nicolas Walder from the Swiss Environmental Party (PES), arrived in Taiwan on Sunday, amid regional tensions, for a six-day visit.

On Monday, during a meeting with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, Molina asked all people and leaders „to strengthen the dialogue for cooperation to promote world peace, democracy and multilateralism”.

„Authoritarianism and war must not prevail,” said Molina. „It is absolutely essential that the differences and tensions between Taiwan and the PRC (People’s Republic of China) be resolved peacefully and through dialogue. Anything less will not be acceptable,” added Molina.

Stressing that both Switzerland and Taiwan value the rule of law and human rights, Molina said he looks forward to more exchanges between the two sides.

Walder told Tsai that Switzerland will continue to focus on opportunities to strengthen relations with Taiwan, such as establishing an economic partnership agreement and using Switzerland’s influence among the international community to promote Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations such as the World Health Organization.

„While Taiwan is at the forefront of defending democracy, we will resolutely maintain regional peace and stability,” Tsai told the Swiss delegation, urging democratic allies „to continue to deepen partnerships and work together to protect our way of life.”

In Taipei, the delegation will also meet with the Speaker of the Legislature, You Si-kun, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and Chen Chu, the Chairman of the Control Yuan, the agency that oversees government institutions.

Agerpres