• Created：2011-03-16
• Data Source：Bureau Of Consular Affairs
• Counter：2051

1. Mr. Manuel Roxas, Special Emissary of President Benigno Aquino III of the Republic of the Philippines met with Mr. Timothy Chin-Tien Yang, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), on March 14, 2011. Mr. Roxas brought President Aquino’s goodwill and also conveyed the desire of the Philippines to return to normal bilateral ties with Taiwan. During the meeting, Mr. Roxas updated Minister Yang on measures that the Philippines has taken to heal the feelings of the people of Taiwan, which were hurt by the unfortunate incident involving the deportation to mainland China of 14 Taiwanese nationals.
2. Mr. Roxas further informed Minister Yang that, through the MECO-TECO channel, the relevant personnel in the Philippines are prepared to begin consultations with their Taiwanese counterparts on a mechanism for mutual legal assistance on transnational crimes, as well as on a joint feasibility study for an Economic Partnership Agreement.
3. In response to the goodwill expressed by the Philippines, Taiwan has agreed to review the restrictions placed on the processing of work permits and visas for all Taiwan-bound Filipino workers, as well as to resume online visa applications for all Philippine tourists. These restrictions had been put in place on February 7, 2011.
4. On behalf of the Philippines, the Special Emissary expressed his utmost appreciation to Taiwan for the efforts made to resolve the issues arising from this regrettable incident. Both sides are committed to further enhancing their mutually beneficial relations. (E)