President Lai Ching-te said that the new government would continue to deepen partnerships with other countries to work toward a resilient global health system.
Lai made the remarks at the Presidential Office June 1 while speaking with Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan and the team he led to Geneva to campaign for Taiwan’s entry to the World Health Assembly.
The proposal to allow Taiwan to join the WHA as an observer was excluded from the 2024 agenda due to political factors, the president said, adding that Taiwan’s long-term efforts have yielded fruitful results despite the WHA's disappointing refusal to send the proposal before the assembly. Lai noted that bilateral dialogues this year are taking place both more frequently and at higher levels.
The president additionally recognized Chiu’s delegation for its collaborations with international medical associations to stage professional forums in Geneva on topics aligned with the themes of this year’s WHA. Lai said that support for Taiwan from global society has become increasingly powerful, and noted that a total of 26 WHA members either directly or indirectly backed Taiwan’s bid for observer status.
Lai concluded by expressing gratitude to supporters, the MOHW contingent and like-minded partners at home and abroad. (POC-E)
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