The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday said that the expenses related to former British prime minister Liz Truss’ visit to Taiwan in May were in accordance with regulations.
Truss visited Taiwan at the invitation of the Prospect Foundation think tank from May 16 to 20, during which she met with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) and other senior officials. She also delivered a speech in Taipei.
According to the financial disclosures registered and published on the British Parliament’s Web site last month, Truss received ￡80,000 (US$101,398) from the foundation for the speech, and ￡10,841 from the ministry for the flights, hospitality and accommodation.
Photo: Ann Wang, Reuters
Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) caucus whip William Tseng (曾銘宗) yesterday called on the government to “spend wisely” when inviting foreign dignitaries, adding that if the benefits generated by the visit are not high enough, taxpayers’ money would be wasted.
Truss’ speech was arranged by speaker agency Chartwell Speakers, which signed a contract with the foundation regarding her speech, the ministry said in a press release yesterday.
The ministry said that for former British prime ministers and dignitaries, arranging speeches in a foreign country through a speaker agency is a common practice.
The agency would make the arrangements according to the contract it signs with the event organizer, which is in accordance with customary practices, it said.
The ministry helped coordinate Truss’ itinerary in Taiwan, it said, adding that the expenses complied with the regulations on inviting foreign guests to Taiwan, it said.
Past governments, regardless of the ruling party, have followed this principle, it added.
The ministry would not comment on the fee Truss was paid for her speech as it was not the contracting party, it said.
Asked about the expense, Chen said: “We sincerely appreciate and welcome the support for Taiwan from like-minded countries.”
Chen asked the public not to “speculate too much,” as the ministry has responded to the issue and all the expenses were made based on related regulations.
Additional reporting by Lin Hsin-han
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