The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) yesterday confirmed that Taiwan would offer a foreign aid package worth US$75 million to Burkina Faso.
Taiwan's Ambassador to Burkina Faso Tao Wen-lung (
African ally
Burkina Faso is one of Taiwan's few remaining African allies. Many have switched allegiance to China in recent years as the Asian power has bestowed billions in gifts and loans to countries in return for political favors and access to natural resources.
Last week, Chinese foreign minister Li Zhaoxing (
Tao called the aid package a sign of the friendship between both nations and said the money would be used for agricultural projects.
Tao said the aid would be part of an eight-year project and Taiwan would not offer the money directly to Burkina Faso but help it boost its agriculture and economic development.
cooperation
MOFA spokesman David Wang (
Wang said he had no comment on the amount of the foreign aid since Taiwan assisted its allies according to each countries needs and Taiwan's ability.
Finance minister of Burkina Faso, Jean Baptiste Compaore, declined to answer whether the gift was in reaction to China's recent visit to the region.
But Wang admitted that China's seeming recent generosity did put some pressure on the government.
Burkina Faso gained independence from France in 1960.
Taiwan established diplomatic relations with Burkina Faso in 1994.
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