ECFA could herald firmer foreign ties: President Ma

The tariff-cutting economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) that Taiwan clinched with China in late June helped lay a landmark foundation for improving bilateral ties, institutionalizing two-way trade activities and reducing tensions in the strait, Ma told a group of Israeli parliamentarian members during a meeting at the Presidential Office.

Despite the fact that Taiwan and Israel maintain no formal diplomatic ties, Ma said, the two countries have explored substantial links on technical, agricultural and medical fronts since they established representative offices in 1993.

Describing Taiwan and Israel as “similar” in many aspects, Ma said he was very impressed by Israel's rule of law and democracy when he visited the country in 1999.

“We hope that eased cross-strait ties are helpful in pushing other countries, including Israel, to build closer relationships with Taiwan,” Ma said.

Later Thursday, Ma received Rene Francisco Umana Chinchilla, the new ambassador from Honduras, who presented his credentials to the president.

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