Remarks by François Chih-Chung Wu, Deputy Minister,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan),

at the opening ceremony of the GCTF International Workshop on Laboratory Diagnosis for Enterovirus

April 23, 2018

Minister Chen of the Ministry of Health and Welfare,

（衛福部陳部長時中）

Director Moy of the American Institute in Taiwan,

（AIT處長梅健華）

Director-General Chou of the Centers for Disease Control,

（衛福部疾管署周署長志浩）

Distinguished participants,

Representatives from foreign missions in Taiwan,

Ladies and gentlemen:

Good morning!

It is my great honor to be here at the opening ceremony of the first event under Taiwan-US Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) this year. On behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I would like to extend my warmest welcome to all the distinguished participants. Thank you for your commitment to advancing public health for the Asia-Pacific region and all humankind. In addition, let me also take this opportunity to show my appreciation for our Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare and the American Institute in Taiwan for another good collaboration with my ministry.

Taiwan was lucky enough to receive all forms of assistance we needed on our course of development. Bearing in mind a strong sense of gratitude and responsibility, Taiwan wants to return this kindness to the international community. Therefore, while Taiwan was working together to enhance our already-strong partnership with the US, we were also brainstorming for a more effective way to showcase Taiwan’s willingness and ability to contribute to all humankind. This goodwill of the two countries led to the establishment of GCTF. GCTF not only institutionalizes the long-time bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and the US, but also functions as a multilateral mechanism for Taiwan to contribute its expertise to the betterment of the region and the globe. Today, you are all participants to this significant process, as GCTF offers a great platform for future cooperation on issues we all care about.

Under this framework, Taiwan and the US have co-hosted 11 capacity-building programs in areas such as women’s empowerment, digital economy, energy security and public health, including today’s event. Over 200 experts and officials from 32 countries in the region participated in those programs where they exchanged information and jointly built up capacities in dealing with the corresponding challenges.

Today’s workshop demonstrates Taiwan’s determination to contribute to preventing and controlling infectious diseases. We are all aware of the fact that Enterovirus is still threatening lives in our region and beyond. Therefore, through sharing knowledge indiscriminately, exchanging information timely, and establishing networks across borders, we believe we can safeguard the health of our people and promote prosperity of the region.

Let me once again welcome all of you to join us on this occasion. We look forward to working closely with you and your governments in the future. Lastly, I wish this workshop a great success, and all of you a wonderful stay in Taiwan.

Thank you!