Taiwan, U.S. sign MOU to strengthen maritime cooperation

ROC Central News Agency

03/26/2021 12:24 PM

Washington, March 25 (CNA) Taiwan and the United States on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a Coast Guard Working Group (CGWG), with the aim of strengthening their maritime cooperation.

The MOU was signed in Washington by Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO), and American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Managing Director Ingrid Larson. It was the first agreement inked between the two sides since U.S. President Joe Biden took office in January.

In a statement issued by TECRO, Hsiao said that as a responsible stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific region, "Taiwan is ready and willing to do more in the maritime domain."

"For years, the U.S. and Taiwan coast guards have worked closely together on issues including Maritime Search and Rescue and Fisheries Enforcement," Hsiao said. "Both sides will forge a stronger partnership and jointly contribute even more to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific region," under the CGWG.

According to TECRO, the agreement will provide a platform for the two sides to discuss, review, prioritize and coordinate efforts focused on improving communications, building cooperation, and sharing information between TECRO and AIT through their designated representatives -- the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Taiwan Coast Guard.

The AIT, meanwhile, said in a press release that the U.S. supports Taiwan's meaningful participation and contributions to issues of global concern, including maritime security and safety, and to building networks to "facilitate maritime law enforcement information exchange and international cooperation."

"This MOU affirms a relationship with the common objectives of preserving maritime resources; reducing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; and participating in joint maritime search and rescue as well as maritime environmental response events," the AIT said.

Thursday's signing ceremony in Washington was witnessed by Sung Kim, Acting Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs in the U.S. State Department, and USCG Director of International Affairs Ann Castiglione-Cataldo.

(By Stacy Hsu and Ko Lin)

Enditem/pc