Taiwan’s envoy to the UK vowed on Wednesday that the country would continue to protect freedom.
Speaking at the International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief, UK Representative Kelly Hsieh (謝武樵) said Taiwan would take pride in the many freedoms that have been “harassed by authoritarian regimes”.
“However, we can’t do it alone. It is imperative that like-minded countries, such as those of us who are meeting here today, come together in solidarity,” Taipei UK’s representative said on Facebook, quoting him as saying.
“Taiwan will continue its efforts, because we know that the freedom and diversity of practices in Taiwan allow us to stand out as a democracy,” he added.
Hsieh made the remarks on the day of the two-day convention organized by the British in London.
Ambassador General for Religious Freedom Pusin Tali, who heads Taipei-based Yu-Shan Seminary and Theological College, attended the conference.
Hsieh represented one of 42 countries or non-governmental organizations that pledged to respect devout freedom at the event, which was held for the first time since 2019 in person.
The United States hosted the event in 2018 and 2019, while Poland hosted the assembly practically in 2020.
Taiwan has participated in all 3 editions.
The convention targets foreign efforts to guarantee freedom of faith or belief, and raise awareness of the demanding situations of this freedom, its relevance to other human rights, and more productive practices to prevent violations of devout freedom, the convention’s online page says.