October 3, 2014
No. 206
President Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso will lead a delegation to Taipei from October 8 to 12, 2014, to attend the National Day celebrations of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The delegation will include Mrs. Compaore, Senior Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation Yipènè Djibrill Bassole; Ministry of Housing and Urbanization Yacouba Barry; and Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs Alassane Mone.
During the trip, the delegation from this West African ally will attend the ROC National Day Ceremony, the National Day Reception, and a state banquet; call on President Ma Ying-jeou; attend a luncheon hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs David Y. L. Lin; and take excursions to Taoyuan and Yilan. President Compaore will also inspect his country’s embassy in Taipei City and meet students and other people from Burkina Faso living in Taiwan.
This 10th visit to Taiwan by President Compaore is especially meaningful, as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between the ROC and Burkina Faso. Bilateral cooperation has focused on the areas of agriculture, occupational training, public health, and renewable energy, and has already borne fruit. The 10th bilateral cooperation committee convened in June also resolved to carry out 20 cooperation projects aimed at better ensuring the welfare of the people of Burkina Faso.
In maintaining close relations with the ROC, Burkina Faso has on many occasions voiced support in the international arena of Taiwan’s efforts to participate in the United Nations and its specialized agencies, as well as other international organizations. For instance, Senior Minister Bassole gave a speech on September 29 during the 69th Session of the UN General Assembly, stating his support. President Compaore recently also told the international media that the ROC is a true development ally of his country. This visit by President and Mrs. Campaore clearly reflects the staunch relations enjoyed by the two countries. (E)