Minister of Foreign Affairs James Huang (
Chang Yun-ping (張雲屏), head of the ministry's Department of African Affairs, said Huang would serve as a special envoy of President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and invite the African leaders to participate in the Taipei summit.
allies
Taiwan maintains diplomatic ties with Burkina Faso, Malawi, Swaziland, Gambia and Sao Tome and Principe in Africa.
During his stay in Africa, Huang will also attend activities to mark the national days of Malawi and Sao Tome and Principe, Chang said.
In response to reports that China is discussing a cooperation project on oil exploitation with Sao Tome and Principe, Chang said it was hardly surprising as China has been working to establish relations with oil producing countries around the world.
impact
Although the government does not expect this to have an impact on the nation's ties with the African country, the ministry is trying to learn more details about the situation, Chang said.
Huang said in April that the upcoming summit would focus on measures Taiwan would adopt to help its allies in Africa cope with globalization, including projects to promote renewable energy and ecotourism and strengthen environmental protection while developing their economies.
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