Taiwan is invited to attend as a special guest at the 38th assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization, according to the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sept. 13.
“This is the first time since our country lost its seat in the U.N. 42 years ago that ICAO, as one of the specialized agencies under the U.N. system, has invited us to participate,” MOFA Deputy Minister Vanessa Yea-ping Shih said.
Shih made the remarks during a news conference in Taipei city following ICAO Council President Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez sent a letter to invite Shen Chi, director general of the ROC Civil Aeronautics Administration, and her delegation to attend the assembly as guests of the president under the name Chinese Taipei. They will attend the triennial event from Sept. 24 to Oct. 4 in Montreal, Canada.
“Taking part in the assembly will help us get direct information regarding important developments in civil aviation and safety, and allow us to exchange views with civil aviation officials from around the world,” Shih said.
“The potential for future cooperation is unlimited,” she added.
Echoing Shih’s remarks, Shen said the same day that the invitation shows a common understanding and consensus in the international community on the importance of the Taipei Flight Information Region and the need for Taiwan to participate in the organization’s technical and regional meetings and activities.
According to the MOFA, the ICAO invitation underscores the effectiveness of government efforts to secure greater participation for the nation in U.N. specialized agencies, as seen in 2009 when Taiwan was invited to attend the World Health Assembly as an observer.
Since 2009, the MOFA has been lobbying for the country to participate in the global aviation body in a professional, pragmatic, dignified and meaningful manner, the ministry said, adding that this goal has won strong support from the EU, U.S. and ROC diplomatic allies on the back of the nation’s implementation of international aviation standards.
“We also view ICAO’s invitation as illustrating the effectiveness of the government’s viable diplomacy approach,” the MOFA said, citing other examples such as President Ma Ying-jeou’s state visit to Paraguay and four Caribbean nations in August; settlement of the Guang Da Xing No. 28 fishing boat case between Taiwan and the Philippines; the signing of the Agreement between New Zealand and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu on Economic Cooperation in July; as well as the conclusion of a Taiwan-Japan fisheries pact in April.
“Viable diplomacy helps expand Taiwan’s international space and raises its profile in the global community,” the MOFA added.
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