Taiwan president meets French lawmakers in Taipei

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with a group of six lawmakers from French National Assembly on Thursday in Taipei.

During meeting, Tsai expressed hopes that Taiwan and European Union would deepen ir ties under forthcoming French presidency of 27-member bloc.

She said she hoped EU would "keep on promoting signing of both sides' bilateral investment agreements."

François de Rugy, he of Taiwan friendship group in National Assembly, lower house of France's Parliament, was leing delegation's five-day visit.

De Rugy said French National Assembly was encouraging a "constructive regional dialogue" in order to restore peace and dialogue over Taiwan Strait.

He ded that he hoped France and island could boost cooperation on economy, renewable energy and semiconductor industry.

China claims Taiwan as part of its national territory and says self-ruled island democracy should not have official government exchanges with or countries.

Taiwan, however, has been stepping up exchanges with countries that don't officially recognize it as a country.

IMAGE: AP