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African allies sign UN declaration

Taiwan's five African allies attending the first Taiwan-Africa Summit signed a declaration yesterday supporting the nation's bid to seek UN membership.

Taiwan's diplomatic allies in Africa are Malawi, Swaziland, Gambia, Burkina Faso and Sao Tome and Principe.

The "Taipei Declaration" states that Taiwan, as an independent sovereignty, has the absolute right to participate in the UN, the WHO and other international organizations and the allies will support Taiwan's efforts to join the agencies.

The leaders jointly called for an end to tension and conflict across the Taiwan Strait, in Africa and around the world. They also pledged to cooperate in the areas of digital technology, trade and economic development, healthcare, a sustainable environment and peace and security.

Responding to a proposal by Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore, the leaders agreed to attach a rider to the declaration for the establishment of a Taiwan-Africa Friendship Group.

The leaders decided to hold the second summit in Africa and set up a committee to ensure an action plan is put into practice.

While previous experience has shown that allies signing a joint communique supporting the country's UN bid did not necessarily voice their backing at the UN General Assembly or general committee, Minister of Foreign Affairs James Huang (黃志芳) yesterday said that all five allies have strongly supported Taiwan's UN campaign and repeatedly indicated that they would speak out for Taiwan at the UN General Assembly on Sept. 18.

Earlier in the morning, leaders from the five countries voiced their support for the UN membership bid during their opening remarks.

Gambian Vice President Isatou Njie-Saidy, who attended the event on behalf of President Yahya Jammeh, read a statement from Jammeh saying that her country was convinced that the continued denial of Taiwan's desire to play a rightful role in international affairs is the greatest injustice that can be done to the people of Taiwan.

"The denial is a suppression of the views of millions of people who yearn to enjoy the benefits of international partnership and cooperation in a free and fair international environment," she said.

Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika expressed his concern about the continued rejection of Taiwan by the UN.

"I still believe that this is against the principle of universality, equity and justice," he said. "There is no justification, therefore, for the continued sidelining of Taiwan in the United Nations."

Mutharika said the event was unique because small nation states were represented that are generally marginalized and exploited in global relations.
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