Rotary International Convention: Joseph Wu Calls for Partnerships to Showcase Taiwan to the World

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Yang Yao-ju, Taipei, June 14) Foreign Minister Joseph Wu accompanied President Lai Ching-te to attend the Rotary International Convention today. On social media, Wu stated that Rotary's values align with Taiwan's 'comprehensive diplomacy,' and expressed hope to build equal and mutually beneficial partnerships to help the world better understand Taiwan.

The opening ceremony of the '2026 Rotary International Convention in Taipei' was held today. This marks Taipei's first time hosting the event in 32 years. President Lai delivered a speech, with Wu in attendance.

Wu posted on Facebook today, noting that more than 30,000 Rotary members from over 140 countries have gathered in Taipei. He expressed deep emotion when the national flag and the word 'Taiwan' appeared during the ceremony, welcoming this rare international event with the joy of hosting a celebration. He hopes more international friends will visit Taiwan, get to know Taiwan, and through the networks of international NGOs, deepen Taiwan's connections with the world.

Wu shared that as a Rotarian himself, he feels a sense of familiarity and warmth every time he participates in Rotary events. In the afternoon, he attended the opening ceremony of the 'Taiwan Pavilion' at the Rotary Taiwan General Assembly held at the Nangang Exhibition Center, where he reunited with many long-unseen friends.

Wu pointed out that Rotary's emphasis on the 'Four-Way Test' and 'Service Above Self' aligns with the direction and goals of Taiwan's 'comprehensive diplomacy' and the 'Prosperity Partnership Initiative.' The 'Prosperity Partnership Initiative' aims to establish equal, mutually beneficial, and co-growing partnerships between Taiwan and its allies. It seeks not only to assist allies' overall development but also to ensure that cooperation genuinely improves people's well-being, strengthens bilateral friendship, and enables Taiwan and its allies to move forward together toward a better future through mutual benefit and shared prosperity.

Wu said that many Rotarians are already practicing this spirit in daily life. Whether it's the global Rotary community's long-term efforts to eradicate polio, or their engagement in women's empowerment, care for the vulnerable, education, and medical services worldwide, these are all incremental realizations of Rotary's 'Service Above Self' values.

As a Rotarian, Wu expressed great joy in welcoming members from around the world to Taiwan. As Foreign Minister, he pledged to continue working so that Taiwan can engage with the world sincerely, equally, and mutually beneficially, and help the world understand Taiwan better. (Edited by Lin Hsing-meng) 1150614