November 15, 2023
No. 394
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Jaushieh Joseph Wu met with a seven-member delegation of diplomatic allies’ permanent representatives to the United Nations on the afternoon of November 15. He welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation of the allies’ long-standing and staunch support for Taiwan and their continuing to speak up for Taiwan at the United Nations and other international venues.
Minister Wu thanked the five permanent representatives in the delegation for standing firmly behind Taiwan at the United Nations, especially for the allies’ heads of state and government voicing support for Taiwan at the UN General Assembly (UNGA). He said that the people and government of Taiwan greatly appreciated their support. Pointing out that Taiwan was a force for good and a responsible member of the global village, Minister Wu said that with the world in turmoil, the international community was paying more attention to Taiwan’s importance. He noted that the democratic camp and authoritarian nations were in confrontation and that Taiwan, which stands on the front line of defense against authoritarian expansion, would refrain from engaging in provocative and rash behavior despite China’s rhetorical assaults and military intimidation. He also affirmed that Taiwan would strengthen its self-defense capabilities and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The allies’ permanent representatives concurred with Minister Wu, stressing that China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and false claim that Taiwan was a part of its territory were absolutely absurd.
Speaking as head of the delegation, Ambassador Inga Rhonda King, Permanent Representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, thanked the Taiwan government for its warm hospitality. She noted that the visit would help members of the delegation better understand Taiwan’s policies and allow them to further witness Taiwan’s accomplishments across all domains. She also commended Taiwan for its adherence to the spirit of the UN Charter and pledged continued assistance with Taiwan’s efforts to participate in the UN system. Ambassador Amatlain Elizabeth Kabua, Permanent Representative of the Marshall Islands, lauded the fraternal bonds between Taiwan and diplomatic allies. She called Taiwan a model for the international community due to its commitment to safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
This marked the first visit to Taiwan for Ambassador Margo Reminisse Deiye, Permanent Representative of Nauru, and Mr. José Eduardo Pereira Sosa, Chargé d’Affaires of Paraguay’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Both stated that the visit gave them deeper insight into Taiwan’s development and made them more aware of the importance of cross-strait peace and stability. Ambassador Carlos Fuller, Permanent Representative of Belize, echoed the views of the other members of the delegation and attested to the crucial role that Taiwan played in the global community.
The permanent representatives also exchanged views with Minister Wu on bilateral relations and thanked Taiwan for its proactive support for allies’ efforts to realize sustainable development. Minister Wu shared experiences from his visits to the allied nations and the friendly interactions and friendships he enjoyed with presidents, prime ministers, and other senior officials of diplomatic allies.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Chung-kwang later hosted a banquet for the visiting delegation on behalf of Minister Wu. （E）