The strong backing for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in Interpol by the co-chairs of British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nov. 3.
Such friendship and support from Lord Rogan, deputy speaker of the House of Lords, and Nigel Evans, a member of the House of Commons, promotes Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and bolsters relations with the U.K., the MOFA said.
The ministry’s statement came a day after Rogan and Evans issued a joint letter urging Taiwan’s attendance as an observer at Interpol’s 87th general assembly Nov. 18-21 in Dubai, as well as other activities, mechanisms and meetings of the organization.
Citing “unnecessary political considerations” as the reason why Taiwan is yet to receive an invitation, Rogan and Evans said the country’s presence is vital to establishing a reliable and seamless global security network as per Article 2 of the Interpol Constitution.
Taiwan is the world’s 22nd largest economy and 17th largest exporter, Rogan and Evans said, adding that it connects Northeast and Southeast Asia while serving as a major hub for the movement of capital, goods and people. The country’s “ability in sharing international security intelligence and combating cross-border crime would contribute to the global security and counterterrorism efforts.”
Interpol, headquartered in France, is the world’s largest international police organization with over 190 member countries and territories. It facilitates borderless police cooperation in enhancing public safety while battling such criminal activities as corruption, human trafficking, intellectual property rights violations and money laundering. (KWS-E)
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