Taiwan thanks diplomatic allies

STAUNCH support for Taiwan’s participation in the UN system shown by its diplomatic allies during the world body’s recent General Assembly in New York is deeply appreciated by the government and people of Taiwan.

A total of 17 diplomatic allies backed the nation’s meaningful participation in the UN system either through writing to its secretarygeneral or speaking out during the gathering.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the allies are Belize, Burkina Faso, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Nicaragua, Palau, Paraguay, St Christopher and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Swaziland and Tuvalu.

In a joint letter, 12 of them urged the UN to include Taiwan in its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, arguing that the country’s exclusion runs counter to the principle of universality in the UN Charter and the goal of leaving no one behind. Three of them also sent individual messages expressing similar sentiments.

In the letter, they called on the UN to end discriminatory measures against Taiwanese preventing them from entering its premises or taking part in meetings and tours. Such measures are unacceptable and violate the universal values of freedom and equal rights.

Given the seriousness of global challenges and need to tackle these through a cohesive partnership, the UN Secretariat was urged to include Taiwan in its system so the country can make a more meaningful contribution.

During the general debate, 15 diplomatic allies also made a strong case for Taiwan’s expanded engagement in the UN system.

This is sincerely appreciated by the government and people of Taiwan.

Liu Bang-Chuan Senior Adviser Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia