By: Bernadette Carreon
Palau’s Vice President and Health Minister, Raynold Oilouch, joined diplomatic allies of Taiwan in advocating for support for Taipei’s efforts to participate in the ongoing 78th World Health Assembly (WHA), scheduled for May 19-27 in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to a report by CNA, Taiwan hosted a reception in Geneva on Sunday, highlighting its ongoing exclusion from the WHA meeting.
“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,” Vice President Oilouch was quoted as saying at the reception.
He also expressed gratitude to the Taiwan government for its assistance in building healthcare infrastructure in Palau.
Haiti’s Minister of Public Health and Population, Bertrand Sinal, also spoke in support of Taiwan, noting its significant contributions to the health infrastructure in his country. He emphasized that Taiwan played a crucial role in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, particularly with the operation of the National Ambulance Center. Sinal reiterated Haiti’s continued support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), lost its membership in the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1972 when the United Nations recognized the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of China.
Since then, Taiwan has been barred from participating in the WHA since 2009 to 2016, when relations with China were more favorable.
Palau is one of the 12 remaining countries maintaining formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
Last month, President Surangel Whipps Jr. stated during a speech at the Australian think tank Lowy Institute that Palau would remain an ally of Taiwan “until death do us part.”
He added, “China has one goal, and that is for us to renounce Taiwan. But we hope they understand — that decision is a sovereign one, and no country tells us whom we should be friends with.”