Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen is representing Taiwan at the Second Global COVID-19 Summit convened virtually May 12 by U.S. President Joe Biden from the White House, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Held in the lead-up to the World Health Assembly, the event is hosted by the U.S., Central America ally Belize, Germany, Indonesia and Senegal, the MOFA said. Taiwan’s second-year summit participation reflects recognition of the country’s efforts to manage the pandemic and contribute to the global community, the ministry added.
The 75th edition of the WHA—the decision-making body of the World Health Organization—is taking place May 22 to 28 in Geneva. It is the first physical gathering of the annual event attended by delegations from all WHO member states since the onset of the pandemic.
Chen said during his recorded remarks that Taiwan has provided significant international humanitarian assistance to fight the spread of coronavirus since April 2020. The country’s public-private sector partnership has enabled it to donate over US$70 million in medical supplies to more than 80 countries, including 150,000 doses of the locally made Medigen vaccine to Somaliland he added.
As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan pledges to donate a further US$1.5 million to support vaccine coverage, Chen said, adding that coronavirus shows how a global health crisis can threaten human lives and undermine democracy.
Chen said the Taiwan Model demonstrates how a modern democracy can work transparently and use technology to combat COVID-19. The government will continue to cooperate with democratic partners in sharing its disease-fighting expertise, he added.
In a tweet on its official account, the ministry said “Ex-Vice President Chen is representing #Taiwan at the 2nd #GlobalCOVIDSummit! We're proud to take part again in this important event with hosts the #US, ally #Belize, #Germany, #Indonesia, #Senegal & other partners. Combating #Coronavirus needs a global response & #TaiwanCanHelp!” (DL-E)
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