Khaldon Azhari, Tokyo

Japan welcomed Saturday the re-election of Tsai Ing-wen in presidential election in Taiwan and further added "it's an important partner".

A statement by Foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the Government of Japan congratulates the smooth implementation of the democratic election and Ms. Tsai on her victory again.

“Taiwan is an important partner and a precious friend of Japan, and we share basic values and enjoy close economic relationship and people to people exchange,” Motegi said.

The Government of Japan will work toward further deepening cooperation and exchanges between Japan and Taiwan, based on the existing position to maintain Japan-Taiwan relations as a working relationship on a non-governmental basis, according to the statement.

The Japanese foreign minister said Japan expects that the issue surrounding Taiwan will be resolved peacefully by direct dialogue between the concerned parties and that it will contribute to the peace and stability in the region.