Our office thanks the notable European figures and ambassadors who spoke in front of the European Parliament in support of Taiwan's participation in the WHA

On 18 May, our office held an event entitled, "Health for All, Taiwan can Help - the bid to support Taiwan’s entry into WHA", at the Place du Luxembourg in front of the European Parliament, inviting European politicians and Ambassadors of our diplomatic Allies to voice their support for Taiwan's international participation.

MEP Michael Gahler, Chair of the European Parliament's Taiwan Friendship Group, said that Taiwan was the first country in the world to notify the International Health Organisation (WHO) of COVID-19, and that its achievements in preventing and assisting countries in the fight against the pandemic were highly appreciated. Gahler also expressed his strong support for Taiwan's participation as an observer in WHO meetings and mechanisms.

MEP Andrey Kovatchev, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament's Taiwan Friendship Group, pointed out that improving health coverage is an indispensable part of achieving global well-being. Kovatchev went on to note that the obstacle to Taiwan's international participation comes from China and further called on all democracies to help Taiwan to participate in the WHO.

MEP Charlie Weimers stressed that international health cooperation should not be limited by geopolitics and that the WHO must make Taiwan's participation in the cooperation mechanism more institutionalized.

MEP Markéta Gregorová pointed out that Taiwan's participation in the WHO is not only about Taiwan's interests, but also about the interests of the international community as a whole.

MEP Ivan Štefanec stressed that Taiwan has not only excelled in the issue of public health, but has also proven through its actions that the country is an indispensable and virtuous force in the international community. Štefanec also thanked Taiwan for its assistance to Ukraine and its refugees, which has mitigated the impact on other Eastern European countries.

MEP Petras Auštrevičius called on the WHO not to exclude Taiwan, which has proven its medical and public health capabilities in action, and that participation in the WHO should not be limited to observer status, but should enjoy all the rights of a full member.

Mr. Samuel Cogolati, Member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives and Co-President of the Belgium-Taiwan Friendship Group, said that like-minded countries must work together to ensure Taiwan's international participation in order to achieve global health benefits, and publicly called on China to end its suppression of Taiwan's international participation.

Mr. Georges Dallemagne, Member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives and Co-President of the Belgium-Taiwan Friendship Group, said that Taiwan's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic has successfully prevented the spread of the virus, while maintaining the country's social life and economic development. These achievements should not be overlooked by the international community.

H. E. Rigoberto Pedro Gauto Vielman, Ambassador of Paraguay to the EU, praised Taiwan's performance in the fight against the COVID-19 and called the WHO's exclusion of Taiwan a serious mistake.

H. E. Sibusisiwe Mngomezulu, Ambassador of Eswatini to the EU, stressed that the virus knows no geographical boundaries or political systems, and called on the international community to show solidarity and support Taiwan's participation in WHO meetings and mechanisms.

Ms. Sarada DAS, Deputy Secretary-General of the Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME), expressed the organization's long-standing support for Taiwan's participation in the WHO activities and its desire to work with Taiwan to build inclusive cooperation in international public health.

The event was attended by more than 100 people from all walks of life in Taiwan and Europe. The event came to a close with Mr. Shan-Lin Lai , member of the Overseas Community Affairs Council, presenting Ambassador Tsai Ming-yen with the "Joint Letter of Support for Taiwan's Participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA)", expressing the voice of the overseas Taiwanese community.

We thank the politicians, ambassadors, and friends from all walks of life in Taiwan and Europe for coming out and expressing their full support for Taiwan's participation in the WHO!