MOFA vows to expand Taiwan’s international space via closer NGO cooperation

2019/02/26

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is redoubling efforts to expand Taiwan’s international space on the back of closer cooperation with local nongovernmental organizations, according to MOFA Deputy Minister Hsu Szu-chien Feb. 23.
 
 Nongovernmental organizations play a vital role in advancing foreign affairs, Hsu said. Their widespread international participation is testament to the effectiveness of Taiwan’s soft power and deeply appreciated by the government and people, he added.
 
 Hsu made the remarks while addressing a MOFA-staged reception for 150 representatives of Taiwan nongovernmental organizations in Taipei City.
 
 According to the MOFA, Taiwan is home to about 90,000 local and international nongovernmental organizations spanning such areas as environmental protection, humanitarian aid, medical assistance, public policy and social welfare. Of the latter, Taiwan plays an active role in more the 3,000 around the globe.

 Recent examples of this participation include organizing medical missions to help burns patients and children with craniofacial anomalies in allied countries, as well as holding a special meeting attended by Paraguay first lady Silvana Lopez Moreira during President Mario Abdo Benitez’s state visit to Taiwan in October 2018.
 
 The good work of Taiwan’s nongovernmental organizations is also paying dividends in terms of garnering high-profile statements of support for the country by respected international bodies. In May 2018, France-based World Medical Association publicly called for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization, while France-based International Federation of Journalists described as “unacceptable” the WHO’s refusal to issue media accreditation for local reporters attempting to cover the meeting of its supreme decision-making body, the World Health Assembly.
 
 A short film spotlighting the achievements of Taiwan’s nongovernmental organizations over the years was released by the MOFA at the event.
 
 These emotive images illustrate the depth and breadth of Taiwan’s engagement with its allies and like-minded partners, Hsu said. It is expected that even greater contributions can be made going forward for the benefit of the country and the international community, he added.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)