11 Taiwan allies attend Geneva reception in support of WHA bid

Geneva, May 18 (CNA) Representatives from 11 of Taiwan's diplomatic allies attended a reception held Sunday in Geneva in support of Taiwan, after it was once again excluded from the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual decision-making meeting.

The reception, hosted by Taiwan's representative office in Geneva, was held at a hotel the night before the opening of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA), which scheduled for May 19-27 in the Swiss city.

The attendees included representatives from all but one of Taiwan's 12 diplomatic allies, with the Holy See being the exception.

The Holy See is an observer, not a member, of the United Nations and rarely speaks on political issues during U.N.-related meetings.

The WHO, a specialized U.N. agency that coordinates responses to international public health issues and emergencies, has excluded Taiwan from its WHA meetings for nine consecutive years.

At the reception in Geneva on Sunday, some representatives from Taiwan's allies spoke in strong support of Taiwan's efforts to participate in the WHA.

"I stand here today to affirm our commitment to you, our friends, that we will continue to do everything we can, in every WHA each year, to ensure that one day Taiwan will finally be given its place in the Assembly," said Palau Vice President Raynold "Arnold" Oilouch.

He also thanked the Taiwan government for helping to build the health infrastructure in his country.

Haiti's Minister of Public Health and Population Bertrand Sinal also expressed similar sentiments, saying that Taiwan had contributed significantly to the health infrastructure in his country.

Taiwan also provided crucial support after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, particularly with the operation of the National Ambulence Center, Sinal said, adding that Taiwan is currently helping with public security in his country.

Haiti continues to stand in support of Taiwan's participation in international organizations, he said.

The Republic of China (ROC), as Taiwan is officially named, left the WHO in 1972 following a decision by U.N. members to expel the ROC and recognize instead the People's Republic of China as the only "legitimate representative of China."

Since then, Taiwan has been unable to attend the WHA, even as an observer, due to pressure from China, except during the years 2009 to 2016, when relations with China were warmer under Taiwan's then-Kuomintang government.

Since 2017, Taiwan has been working closely with its diplomatic allies and friendly nations, including the U.S., Japan and the European Union, to push for WHA participation, but without success.