Latvian Friendship Group Chair: Taiwan is an Important Economic and Strategic Partner [Interview]
Ingrīda Circene, Chair of the Latvian Parliament's Taiwan Friendship Group, emphasized that Taiwan is an important economic and strategic partner. She highlighted the value of cooperation in fields such as high-tech, democracy, and security, calling for the strengthening of bilateral relations.
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(CNA, Vilnius, 16th, by You Yao-ju) Ingrīda Circene, Chair of the Latvian Parliament's Taiwan Friendship Group, stated in a recent written interview with CNA that Taiwan demonstrates key value in areas such as high technology, democratic governance, and security cooperation. She noted that the two sides are not only like-minded but can also be important partners economically and strategically.
Circene visited Taiwan last month and was awarded the "Medal of Friendship and Diplomacy" by Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recognizing her efforts in promoting Taiwan-Latvia bilateral relations and her long-term support for Taiwan's international participation since becoming the chair of the group in 2006.
Speaking about how her connection with Taiwan began, Circene shared that during her first visit in 2004, she was deeply impressed by Taiwan's highly developed democracy and vitality, the efficiency of its government operations, and its emphasis on innovation and development.
She pointed out that besides observing the public administration system, she also personally experienced the beauty of Taiwan's culture and natural environment, which further sparked her interest in a long-term cooperative relationship. Over time, Latvia, along with Lithuania and Estonia, also established close ties with Taiwan at the parliamentary level.
Circene stated: "This combination of shared democratic values and practical cooperative experience has shaped my motivation to continue paying attention to and promoting the development of relations with Taiwan."
Under Circene's efforts, the number of members in the current Latvian Parliament's Taiwan Friendship Group has expanded to 24, a record high. Circene views this support positively, noting that it shows a significant increase in the Latvian parliament's awareness of Taiwan's international role and bilateral interests.
She analyzed that in the current geopolitical situation, parliamentarians generally recognize the similar circumstances Latvia and Taiwan face in terms of security, maintaining sovereignty, and resisting external pressure. Furthermore, Taiwan's leading position in the high-tech sector also brings practical incentives for cooperation, such as in technology, education, and research.
Circene emphasized that members of the friendship group also unanimously support Taiwan's participation in international organizations, especially in areas where Taiwan can make important contributions to global challenges.
Regarding the focus of Taiwan-Latvia cooperation, Circene said, "In our cooperation with Taiwan, Latvia has established clear priority areas—high-tech, microchips, and artificial intelligence. These are the areas we believe have the most potential for innovation, economic growth, and long-term competitiveness enhancement."
Additionally, she noted that research and education cooperation are also very important, especially in information and communication technology and the development of new technologies. "Latvia hopes to promote concrete and results-oriented cooperation projects to facilitate knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and business development."
She also specifically mentioned that Riga Technical University plays an important role and has already launched several cooperation projects with Taiwan, including chip testing, defense technology, drones, and critical infrastructure protection.
Circene previously served as Latvia's Minister of Health. She stated that Taiwan and Latvia also have high potential for cooperation in education, healthcare, and research. "We are currently promoting several collaborations, with priority areas including pharmaceuticals, exchange programs for medical professionals, and high-tech cooperation, where projects led by Riga Technical University play a significant role."
After the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, the regional security situation in Europe has become more severe. Circene pointed out that Ukraine's security is directly related to the security of Europe and Latvia, so Latvia's defense spending has significantly increased, now reaching about 5% of its GDP.
Circene stated: "The world is currently undergoing strategic geopolitical shifts, and Latvia intends to expand its cooperation with the Asian region. In this context, Taiwan can be an important partner both economically and strategically."
In the security domain, she pointed out that both sides are concerned with similar issues, including the protection of critical infrastructure like undersea cables and capacity building to counter hybrid threats. "Latvia has several areas for common discussion in its cooperation with partners, including Taiwan, such as defense technology, undersea cable security, cybersecurity, and prevention of cyber-attacks."
Having visited Taiwan multiple times, Circene shared her deepest personal impression of the country: "To me, Taiwan reminds me of its highest peak, Yushan (Jade Mountain), symbolizing the nation's strength and resilience; at the same time, it also brings to mind the national flower, the plum blossom, which displays the refinement and beauty of its culture."
She said that on her first visit, she was impressed by the well-structured and digitized public administration system. "The processes were clearly and transparently organized, reducing the need for ad-hoc responses and significantly improving efficiency. This was particularly prominent in the healthcare sector, where the level of technological application and governance was very high. I believe Latvia can learn a lot from Taiwan in this regard."
Furthermore, the openness, hospitality, and cooperative attitude of the Taiwanese people made her feel that the bilateral relationship is not just about politics and economics, but is built on genuine connections between people.
She said, "Of course, Taiwan's natural scenery cannot be ignored. The rich biodiversity, magnificent mountains, and lush vegetation all leave a deep and lasting impression." (Editor: Chou Yung-chieh) 1150516
Circene visited Taiwan last month and was awarded the "Medal of Friendship and Diplomacy" by Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recognizing her efforts in promoting Taiwan-Latvia bilateral relations and her long-term support for Taiwan's international participation since becoming the chair of the group in 2006.
Speaking about how her connection with Taiwan began, Circene shared that during her first visit in 2004, she was deeply impressed by Taiwan's highly developed democracy and vitality, the efficiency of its government operations, and its emphasis on innovation and development.
She pointed out that besides observing the public administration system, she also personally experienced the beauty of Taiwan's culture and natural environment, which further sparked her interest in a long-term cooperative relationship. Over time, Latvia, along with Lithuania and Estonia, also established close ties with Taiwan at the parliamentary level.
Circene stated: "This combination of shared democratic values and practical cooperative experience has shaped my motivation to continue paying attention to and promoting the development of relations with Taiwan."
Under Circene's efforts, the number of members in the current Latvian Parliament's Taiwan Friendship Group has expanded to 24, a record high. Circene views this support positively, noting that it shows a significant increase in the Latvian parliament's awareness of Taiwan's international role and bilateral interests.
She analyzed that in the current geopolitical situation, parliamentarians generally recognize the similar circumstances Latvia and Taiwan face in terms of security, maintaining sovereignty, and resisting external pressure. Furthermore, Taiwan's leading position in the high-tech sector also brings practical incentives for cooperation, such as in technology, education, and research.
Circene emphasized that members of the friendship group also unanimously support Taiwan's participation in international organizations, especially in areas where Taiwan can make important contributions to global challenges.
Regarding the focus of Taiwan-Latvia cooperation, Circene said, "In our cooperation with Taiwan, Latvia has established clear priority areas—high-tech, microchips, and artificial intelligence. These are the areas we believe have the most potential for innovation, economic growth, and long-term competitiveness enhancement."
Additionally, she noted that research and education cooperation are also very important, especially in information and communication technology and the development of new technologies. "Latvia hopes to promote concrete and results-oriented cooperation projects to facilitate knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and business development."
She also specifically mentioned that Riga Technical University plays an important role and has already launched several cooperation projects with Taiwan, including chip testing, defense technology, drones, and critical infrastructure protection.
Circene previously served as Latvia's Minister of Health. She stated that Taiwan and Latvia also have high potential for cooperation in education, healthcare, and research. "We are currently promoting several collaborations, with priority areas including pharmaceuticals, exchange programs for medical professionals, and high-tech cooperation, where projects led by Riga Technical University play a significant role."
After the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, the regional security situation in Europe has become more severe. Circene pointed out that Ukraine's security is directly related to the security of Europe and Latvia, so Latvia's defense spending has significantly increased, now reaching about 5% of its GDP.
Circene stated: "The world is currently undergoing strategic geopolitical shifts, and Latvia intends to expand its cooperation with the Asian region. In this context, Taiwan can be an important partner both economically and strategically."
In the security domain, she pointed out that both sides are concerned with similar issues, including the protection of critical infrastructure like undersea cables and capacity building to counter hybrid threats. "Latvia has several areas for common discussion in its cooperation with partners, including Taiwan, such as defense technology, undersea cable security, cybersecurity, and prevention of cyber-attacks."
Having visited Taiwan multiple times, Circene shared her deepest personal impression of the country: "To me, Taiwan reminds me of its highest peak, Yushan (Jade Mountain), symbolizing the nation's strength and resilience; at the same time, it also brings to mind the national flower, the plum blossom, which displays the refinement and beauty of its culture."
She said that on her first visit, she was impressed by the well-structured and digitized public administration system. "The processes were clearly and transparently organized, reducing the need for ad-hoc responses and significantly improving efficiency. This was particularly prominent in the healthcare sector, where the level of technological application and governance was very high. I believe Latvia can learn a lot from Taiwan in this regard."
Furthermore, the openness, hospitality, and cooperative attitude of the Taiwanese people made her feel that the bilateral relationship is not just about politics and economics, but is built on genuine connections between people.
She said, "Of course, Taiwan's natural scenery cannot be ignored. The rich biodiversity, magnificent mountains, and lush vegetation all leave a deep and lasting impression." (Editor: Chou Yung-chieh) 1150516