The Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) met with the French Office in Taipei Director Franck Paris and his delegation on Wednesday to discuss collaborations on the French-language assistant program and higher education.
In his welcome remarks, Cheng expressed his gratitude to Paris for his support of Taiwan’s Olympic athletes, particularly for coordinating free practice venues near competition sites. He conveyed his hope that top athletes from around the world will enjoy the competition and showcase their best performances in the host country's excellent facilities.
Cheng highlighted that his ministry recently established the University Academic Alliance in Taiwan (UAAT) to enhance international cooperation in the semiconductor industry, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and Mandarin education. He expressed hope for Taiwan to further exchanges with France in these fields.
Paris thanked Cheng for his steadfast support of academic research collaboration between the two countries. He stated that his office will continue to promote the French language assistant program and related educational cooperation to foster substantial development with Taiwan.
According to the ministry, Taiwan and France have sustained close ties in education. The ministry has not only signed multiple memoranda of cooperation (MOUs) and co-hosted bilateral educational forums with France over the past years, but also provides scholarships and research initiatives to encourage French students to study in Taiwan.
As of 2024, a total of 1,737 French students are studying in Taiwan, ranking first among students from all other European countries.