President Ma Ying-jeou lauded ROC-Burkina Faso ties April 9, attributing strong relations with the West African country to successful cooperation projects and shared values.
Ma, who is visiting Burkina Faso on the first leg of a three-nation ROC African ally tour, made the remarks at a news conference at his hotel in the capital city of Ouagadougou.
“The ROC has made great progress with its foreign aid programs in Africa over the past 50 years,” the president said, adding that they now extend beyond traditional areas such as agriculture.
Ma cited the National Hospital of Blaise Compaore, named after the West African country’s president, as an example. Inaugurated last September with 600 beds, 12 departments, six operating theaters and a maternity ward, the facility was built with loans from Taiwan banks guaranteed by the ROC government.
“The hospital is an impressive facility that serves a model for ongoing and future ROC government-backed aid projects,” he said.
Other initiatives highlighted by the president include a scholarship program enabling Burkina Faso students to study in Taiwan. “We hope to expand this program and bring the people of both nations closer together,” he said.
During an address at a state banquet hosted by Compaore the previous day, Ma promised to increase ROC assistance to the African ally and help build a stronger Burkina Faso.
The president said he identifies with many of the values promoted by Compaore in developing the country, as illustrated by his golden decade blueprint for Taiwan encompassing eight elements: a vigorous economy; just society; clean and capable government; quality education; sustainable environment; comprehensive infrastructure; cross-strait peace; and friendly international relations.
On the home front, Ma said the government has been working hard to improve ties with mainland China and effect greater stability throughout the region.
“We are striving to transform Taiwan into a peacemaker, provider of humanitarian aid, promoter of cultural exchanges, creator of new technologies and standard-bearer for Chinese culture in the international community,” Ma said.
Philip Yang, minister of the Government Information Office, said April 9 that the president’s visit will create a win-win-win situation through bolstering ties with diplomatic allies, assisting regional development and increasing Taiwan’s international profile.
Ma’s 12-day African tour, which includes visits to the Gambia and Kingdom of Swaziland, wraps up April 18. (JSM)
Write to Rachel Chan at rachelchan@mail.gio.gov.tw