The MOFA appreciates support from congressional members and parliamentarians in the U.S., EU, Germany and the Czech Republic backing Taiwan’s full participation in the WHO. (Staff photo/Chin Hung-hao)

Staunch support from Taiwan’s like-minded partners for the country’s participation as an observer in the upcoming World Health Assembly is sincerely appreciated, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said May 15.

According to the ministry, 205 bipartisan members of the U.S. House of Representatives co-signed a letter May 14 sent to World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calling for Taiwan’s participation as an observer in the 73rd WHA, the decision-making body of the WHO.

The letter—initiated by co-chairs of the U.S. Congressional Taiwan Caucus Reps. Steve Chabot, Gerald Connolly and Albio Sires—was supported by more than half the House, the MOFA said.

Taiwan’s commitment to global public health and its response to the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate the value of its inclusion in all WHO events, the letter said, adding that inviting Taiwan will strengthen the global response to coronavirus.

The day before, 102 European parliamentarians and four members of the German parliament sent an open letter urging all EU 27 member states to request the WHO invite Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung to take part in the WHA videoconference set for May 18-19. They also urged the WHO to facilitate appropriate and feasible arrangements for Taiwan to participate in all the world body’s activities, mechanisms and meetings.

The Czech Republic’s Senate’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Security and Committee on Health and Social Policy also passed resolutions May 13 calling for Taiwan’s WHO participation.

The WHO should heed the clarion call of international support for Taiwan, the MOFA said, adding the country will continue to work with its allies and like-minded partners around the world to ensure Health For All. (SFC-E)