Taiwan’s allies last night stated their support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the WHO, as the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) is set to commence today in Geneva, Switzerland.
Last night, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) attended a banquet hosted by health ministers and permanent representatives of Taiwan’s allies, including Eswatini, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Tuvalu.
Taiwan did not receive an invitation to the WHA this year for the 10th consecutive time.
Photo: CNA
Eswatini Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula said that the partnership between Eswatini and Taiwan continues to grow stronger and more robust.
Taiwan has led Eswatini’s development through a number of major cooperation projects, spanning healthcare, rural electrification, agriculture, water resources, information technology, bilateral trade and infrastructure, he said.
The foundation of a fair and effective healthcare system is “not leaving anyone behind,” he said, adding that Eswatini would continue to support Taiwan’s participation in the WHA.
“Not only can Taiwan help; Taiwan is helping,” he added.
Tuvaluan Minister of Health Tuafafa Latasi said that Taiwan’s support for Tuvalu has always been pragmatic, reliable and deeply valued.
Tuvalu recognizes Taiwan’s significant contributions to global health and development, and would continue to advocate for Taiwan’s participation in the WHA, he said, calling on the international community to recognize its critical role in advancing global public health.
Curtis Martin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health of Saint Kitts and Nevis, said that every voice should be heard on the international stage and Taiwan has earned its place in global healthcare.
As a trusted partner in medical practice, science and care, Taiwan should hold a seat at the WHA, and the global community should support this endeavor, he added.
Speaking to reporters in Geneva, Lin said that Taiwan's continued absence from the WHA is not only a global health issue, but also a diplomatic one, which is why medical experts from around the world participate in the events that Taiwan usually holds in Geneva each year to coincide with the WHA.
While Taiwan's ultimate goal is to return to the WHA, its efforts to hold simultaneous events in Geneva are aimed at giving it greater visibility worldwide, Lin said.
During the process, health and medical experts from many countries, who gather annually in Geneva for the WHA, also attend the Taiwan events as "they do not want to miss any opportunity to speak out for Taiwan and let Taiwan's voices be heard," the foreign minister added.
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