• Created：2011-10-08
• Data Source：Bureau Of Consular Affairs
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No. 325 
October 7, 2011

Former Minister of Defence of the Netherlands Eimert van Middelkoop to visit the Republic of China (Taiwan)

At the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Mr. Eimert van Middelkoop, former Minister of Defence of the Netherlands, will visit Taiwan on October 9-13, 2011.

During his visit, Mr. van Middelkoop will have an audience with President Ma Ying-jeou, participate in various centennial celebrations, and call at the Ministry of National Defense, the Straits Exchange Foundation, the Bureau of Foreign Trade, the Government Information Office, the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, the National Policy Foundation, the Institute of International Relations of National Chengchi University and the Netherlands Trade and Investment Office. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lyushun Shen will host a dinner to welcome him. During his trip, Mr. van Middelkoop will also visit the National Palace Museum, Taipei 101, Anping Fort and Luerhmen. 

Due to the fact that Mr. van Middelkoop served as Minister of Defence from February 2007 to October 2010 and as either a representative or a senator for a total of 17 years, he commands significant political influence. He first came to Taiwan in October 2006, and arranged this trip to gain a better understanding of the latest developments in Taiwan’s political scene, economy, and relations with mainland China. Mr. van Middelkoop is committed to enhancing the exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and the Netherlands. (E)