Eight foreign offices in Taiwan and representatives of 11 diplomatic allies expressed support for Taiwan’s participation in the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) ahead of its opening in Geneva, Switzerland, today.
In a joint statement issued today, offices in Taiwan representing the UK, Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Japan and Lithuania supported Taiwan’s “meaningful engagement” in the WHO and participation as an observer in the WHA.
“Taiwan has shown itself to be a highly capable, engaged and responsible member of the global health community,” and was invited as an observer at the WHA from 2009 to 2016, the statement said.
Photo: CNA
“Taiwan’s distinct capabilities and methods ... bring considerable value that would inform the WHA’s deliberations,” it said, calling its isolation unjustified and harmful to public health coooperation and security.
“Only by including Taiwan as an observer would the WHO be able to fully exemplify the Health Assembly’s commitment to ‘One World for Health,’” it added.
The statement followed a reception hosted by Taiwan last night in Geneva attended by representatives from 11 allied nations — with the exception of the Vatican — as well as diplomatic and public health officials from countries without diplomatic ties.
The Holy See is an observer, not a member, of the UN and rarely speaks on political issues during UN-related meetings.
The representatives took to the stage to express their continued support of Taiwan’s accession to international organizations.
Haiti last week attended the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States forum in Shanghai, drawing scrutiny due to the nation’s diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
Saint Lucia, another diplomatic ally, also attended the Shanghai forum, although in a party capacity and not a governmental capacity.
However, at yesterday’s reception, Haitian Minister of Public Health and Population Bertrand Sinal expressed his hopes for continued friendly relations with Taiwan.
“The ties between our nations have lasted over half a century. These relations have only grown stronger through our solidarity over the years,” he said.
Haiti also recently sent a public health delegation to Taiwan, which was impressed by its advanced technology, particularly in the field of digital health, Sinal said.
He expressed his gratitude for Taiwan’s support during Haiti’s devastating earthquake in 2010, including assistance in operating the national ambulance service and building health infrastructure.
Taiwan and Haiti share values and principles such as self-determination, mutual respect, solidarity and loyalty, he added.
Palauan Vice President and Minister of Health and Human Services Raynold Arnold Oilouch also expressed his deep gratitude to the Taiwanese government for its assistance in establishing basic healthcare, and stated Palau’s trust, admiration and respect for the Taiwanese people.
“I stand here today to affirm our commitment to you, our friends, that we will continue to do everything we can, in every WHA each year, to ensure that one day Taiwan will finally be given its place in the assembly,” he said.
Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) and Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Wang Cheng-hsu (王正旭), speaking on behalf of cross-party legislators, also called on the international community to continue to support Taiwan’s inclusion in the WHA.
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