Taiwan thanks G7 for second straight year of support

Taipei, May 15 (CNA) Taiwan's government on Sunday expressed its gratitude to the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations over the latter's communique that stressed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and offered support for Taiwan's meaningful participation at the upcoming World Health Assembly (WHA).

In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomed the joint communique issued by foreign ministers from G7 nations Saturday, saying that it demonstrates their strong support for Taiwan.

The joint declaration is especially significant, given that the 75th edition of the WHA, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), is scheduled to meet from May 22-28, MOFA added.

The ministry said Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation on global health and security with the G7 nations, namely, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Foreign ministers from G7 industrialized nations and the European Union, gathered in Weissenhaus, northern Germany, from Thursday to Saturday.

According to the communique released at the conclusion of the meeting, the group condemned Russia's "unjustifiable, unprovoked and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine" and vowed their continuous support for Ukraine.

On China, the G7 foreign ministers "encourage" Beijing to support Ukraine and to resolutely urge Russia to stop its military aggression.

On the cross-strait issue, the G7 group "underscore the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and encourage the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues."

"We also support Taiwan's meaningful participation in the World Health Assembly and WHO technical meetings. The international community should be able to benefit from the experience of all partners," it added.

According to MOFA, this marks the second consecutive year the G7 foreign ministers communique has included a statement of support for Taiwan.