Harry Ho-jen Tseng
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
May 20, 2022
(As Delivered)
Good evening! As-salamu alaykum!
On behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I am delighted and honored to participate in this celebration of the 31st anniversary of Sovereignty Day of the Republic of Somaliland. Somaliland fought very hard to gain its much-cherished sovereignty and democracy. These values, which Somaliland and Taiwan share in common, now form the bedrock of our strong bilateral relationship.
Cooperation between Taiwan and Somaliland continues to go from strength to strength. We have successfully collaborated on numerous technical projects in such fields as agriculture, healthcare, and e-government. In terms of agriculture, we have established a demonstration farm to bolster the production and quality of agricultural products. We also launched an ICT innovation zone to support ICT capacity building. Medical experts specializing in maternity and infant care are also working with their Somaliland counterparts to improve people’s welfare. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the cooperation, coordination, and strong support provided by our Somaliland partners in facilitating the smooth implementation of these initiatives.
Even more cooperation projects and investments are in the pipeline. Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital is preparing to station a medical team in Somaliland. The Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund also initiated a hospital information system project just this year. And in another exciting development, CPC Corporation, Taiwan will be investing in oil extraction in Somaliland through a newly established subsidiary company. I believe that all of these activities will serve to increase the well-being of Somaliland people and generate mutual benefits for both of our nations.
Taiwan and Somaliland have both suffered during the pandemic. To help Somaliland contain the spread of COVID-19, Taiwan donated 150,000 doses of the Taiwan-made Medigen vaccine in January. By working together, we are preventing loss of life and beginning to envision a world in which the pandemic is no longer a significant threat to society.
I have been deeply saddened to hear about the losses caused by the April 1 Waaheen Market fire and the effects of the continuing drought. Our government recently coordinated with the World Taiwan Foundation to donate 550,000 US dollars in emergency assistance and provided a container of humanitarian aid materials through the SimplyHelp Foundation. I believe that, by working with like-minded countries and partners, Somaliland will come back even stronger. And Taiwan will continue to provide as much assistance as it can.
Taiwan and Somaliland share the same values of freedom, democracy, justice, and the rule of law. In May last year, Taiwan supported successful parliamentary and local elections that demonstrated Somaliland’s profound commitment to democracy. Taiwan will continue to champion Somaliland’s dedication to democratic ideals. The Republic of Somaliland is a model that many others in Africa can look to emulate.
In closing, I would like to congratulate Somaliland once again on the anniversary of its Sovereignty Day and extend my very best wishes for the good health and continued success of all of tonight’s distinguished guests. Thank you!