Taipei: Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Monday issued its condolences over the passing of former Foreign Minister Timothy Yang, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 83. Yang served as the country's top diplomat from September 2009 to September 2012 and was instrumental in advocating for Taiwan's preferential visa and visa-free treatments, as well as signing trade agreements with foreign countries.

According to Focus Taiwan, Yang's tenure as a diplomat was marked by significant achievements, including the opening of Taiwan's representative office in Ireland in 1988 and securing visa-free entry to the European Union for Taiwan passport holders in 2011. These accomplishments were highlighted in his memoir published in January, where he reflected on his diplomatic career.

Yang's diplomatic journey began long before his role as foreign minister. He served as Taiwan's top envoy to Ireland, Australia, and Indonesia, among other countries, before taking on the role of foreign minister during President Ma Ying-jeou's first term. Following his tenure at MOFA, Yang continued to serve Taiwan as the secretary-general of the Presidential Office from 2012 to 2015 during Ma's second term.

Born in Ershui Township in Changhua County on July 1, 1942, Yang pursued a career in diplomacy after earning a bachelor's degree in the field from National Chengchi University in 1969. His contributions to Taiwan's foreign relations are remembered by his colleagues and the nation.