Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) presented the Friendship Medal of Diplomacy to former French Senator André Gattolin on Monday in recognition of his long-term efforts to promote Taiwan-France relations and firm support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
Lin called Gattolin a good friend of Taiwan in the French senate, especially highlighting his efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic when Gattolin called on both houses of the senate to sign an open letter of support for Taiwan’s participation in the WHO. Not only did his actions lead to wide-spread recognition of Taiwan in France, but they also facilitated the first pro-Taiwan resolutions in both houses of the French Parliament in 2021. He said Gattolin has spared no effort in advocating for Taiwan over the years.
Lin also pointed out how Gattolin assisted the passing of a seven-year military construction law with Pro-Taiwan French parliamentarians in 2023, reaffirming France’s continued defense of free navigation in the Taiwan Strait. He lauded Gattolin’s tenure as the French co-chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China Policy (IPAC) in 2020, thanking him on behalf of the Foreign Ministry for actively working to deepen Taiwan-France relations. Lin also expressed hope that Gattolin would continue to use his influence to deepen the bilateral friendship between Taiwan and France.
In his speech, Gattolin said the medal not only honored him personally but also the French Senate’s Taiwan Friendship Group. He pointed out that the French Parliment’s support for Taiwan continues to grow, evidenced by the group’s growth in memberships, and that they continue to urge the French government to pay attention to Taiwan.
Gattolin also said he will continue to serve as a council member of the IPAC Alumni Council, and endeavor to keep eyes on the situation in the Taiwan Strait and the Into-Pacific Region.