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Updated Monday, January 16, 2012 0:04 am TWN, The China Post news staff and CNA

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Several foreign nations welcome local election results as indicator of firmly rooted democracy

The China Post news staff and CNA --The U.S. Department of State and Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Saturday congratulated President Ma Ying-jeou on his victory in the presidential election, a victory the two countries hoped will continue to contribute to cross-Taiwan Strait and regional stability.

Japan's foreign ministry also issued a statement congratulating Ma on his re-election and praising Taiwan for successfully holding presidential and legislative elections, an indication that democracy has taken root in Taiwan.

“We see the smooth conduct of the election as sign of a well-established democracy,” according to a press statement released by the ministry after Ma Ying-jeou won his re-election bid.

“The Government of Japan expects the continued and steady development of cooperative working relations between Japan and Taiwan,” it said.

Taiwan and Japan do not have formal diplomatic ties.

“Japan hopes that the issue surrounding Taiwan will be resolved peacefully by direct dialogue between the parties concerned, and that the cross-strait dialogue will be continued seamlessly from that perspective,” it said.

The MFA spokesman from Singapore said it has appreciated the peace effort made by the two sides, as Taiwan and China have strived to set aside their differences and promote cooperation over the past few years.

The conclusion of election will also help Taiwan and Singapore to enjoy a closer relationship based on the “one China” policy in the future, it said.

In Brussels, the European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton reiterated the EU's support for democratic values.

The result of the election that returned Ma Ying-jeou to power is expected to improve the ties to the benefit of the people on both sides of the Strait, she said.

The Australian Commerce and Industry Office also welcomes the results of Taiwan's Presidential election.

“I would like to congratulate Dr Ma Ying-jeou on his re-election for another term.” said Kevin Magee, Australian Representative in Taipei, in a press release issued yesterday.

Australia has a significant relationship with Taiwan based on trade, economic and people-to-people links and looks forward to working with Taiwan to further strengthen those ties, said Magee.

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