February 11, 2015
No. 027
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China David Y. L. Lin arrived in Burkina Faso, a diplomatic ally of the ROC in West Africa, for an official visit on February 10, 2015. During his visit, Minister Lin will call on Burkina Faso’s interim President Michel Kafando, who concurrently is Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation, Prime Minister Yacouba I. Zida, who concurrently serves as Minister of Defense, and President of the National Transitional Council Chériff Sy, so as to exchange opinions on Burkina Faso’s political situation as well as ROC-Burkina Faso relations. In addition, the Burkinabe Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation will hold a dinner banquet in honor of Minister Lin.
To gain a better understanding of the results of bilateral cooperation, Minister Lin will visit the Ziniaré Demonstration Center for Vocational Training, the national hospital, and a solar power station. He will also host a banquet for heads of Burkinabe government agencies in charge of cooperation with the ROC. Meanwhile, Minister Lin will attend a dinner with staff members of the ROC Embassy and Technical Mission, their family members, as well as ROC overseas compatriots, so as to convey the ROC government’s support and encouragement.
Burkina Faso is a key diplomatic ally of the ROC. Cooperation between the two countries has expanded and deepened continuously since diplomatic ties were restored in 1994. Current bilateral projects focus on such areas as vocational training, agriculture, healthcare, and solar power. Moreover, Burkina Faso is a steadfast supporter of the ROC in the international arena. At important international events, it often expresses support for the ROC’s bid to expand its international participation. Minister Lin’s visit will be of great significance for the future development of diplomatic relations between the ROC and Burkina Faso. (E)