A resolution passed by the Slovakia National Council’s European Affairs Committee calling for Taiwan’s observer status at the upcoming 75th World Health Assembly is welcomed by the government and people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said May 4.
The resolution recognizes Taiwan’s contributions to strengthening global health while sharing medical know-how and resources to combat COVID-19. The country’s timely humanitarian assistance to those displaced by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine also shows its stance as a force for good in the international community, it added.
According to the MOFA, the resolution follows similar ones adopted by the Foreign Affairs and Health committees of Slovakia’s National Council last month. These warm gestures demonstrate the long-standing friendship between the two sides and the staunch support from the like-minded partner for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, the ministry said.
The WHA is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization. This year’s edition, taking place May 22 to 28 in Geneva, involves delegations from all members of the U.N. agency.
In addition, governments and parliaments from countries across Europe including Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the U.K. have shown their support for Taiwan since the start of this year, the MOFA said. It added that the European Parliament has also passed four resolutions stressing the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and voicing support for the country’s global participation in international bodies.
The government is committed to working with like-minded partners such as Slovakia to create a seamless disease prevention network in the global community, the MOFA said.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said: “More staunch support from #Slovakia! We welcome the resolution by the European Affairs Committee of the National Council urging observer status for #Taiwan at #WHA75. The warm gesture also showcases the country’s standing as a force for good working to realize #HealthForAll.” (YCH-E)
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