Resolutions passed by the Foreign Affairs and Health committees of Slovakia’s National Council calling for Taiwan’s observer status at the upcoming 75th World Health Assembly are welcomed by the government and people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said April 27.
 
The resolutions recognize Taiwan’s contributions to strengthening global health and actions as a responsible member of the international community. These include sharing medical know-how and resources in combating COVID-19, as well as providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
 
According to the MOFA, the resolutions from the Foreign Affairs and Health committees are the second and first times, respectively, the policy-making bodies have voiced staunch support for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization.
 
The WHA is the decision-making body of the WHO. This year’s edition, taking place May 22 to 28 in Geneva, involves delegations from all members of the U.N. specialized agency.
 
Taiwan and Slovakia are freedom- and democracy-loving countries committed to defending shared values, rules-based order, and promoting peace, stability and prosperity, the ministry said. The like-minded partners share a history of fruitful cooperation across a broad spectrum of areas benefiting the people, the MOFA added.
 
The strength of two-way ties is underscored, the ministry said, by the visit to Taiwan of a delegation led by Karol Galek, state secretary of Slovakia’s Ministry of Economy, last December; the successful trade and investment mission to the EU member state led by Kung Ming-hsin, minister of the National Development Council, in October the same year; and the high-profile visit of Foreign Minister Jauhsieh Joseph Wu to the Central European country later the same month, the MOFA added.
 
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said: “We welcome resolutions by the Foreign Affairs & Health committees of #Slovakia's National Council urging observer status for #Taiwan at #WHA75. The warm gesture also spotlights our country's sharing of medical expertise & resources, as well as its #StandWithUkraine support.” (DL-E)
 
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