Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Belize on Saturday called for Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations during the UN General Debate in New York, bringing the number of countries supporting Taipei to 11, the same as last year.
“It is long overdue for the Republic of China (Taiwan) to be brought in from the diplomatic cold,” Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said in his address during the 78th UN General Assembly.
Chinese civilization “has delivered to the contemporary world, in practical terms, more than one recognizable national political expression, institutionally,” he added.
Photo: AP
The official transcript released by the UN included Taiwan’s population, GDP and world economic ranking, adding that the country is “in the top tier of producers of strategic inputs for information communications technology.”
“Surely, Taiwan’s quest for participation in relevant specialized agencies of the United Nations is reasonable and ought to be accommodated,” Gonsalves said.
Taiwan has repeatedly demonstrated that it is a responsible member of the international community, he said, adding that peace across the Taiwan Strait “is an imperative for the prosperity and security of the world.”
Photo: AP
Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew said that Taiwan has proven to be a “reliable development partner, which greatly contributes to collective efforts to address the pressing global issues of today.”
He called for Taiwan’s inclusion in international institutions such as the UN and the World Health Assembly, which would enable the country to help advance shared goals and realize the right of 23 million Taiwanese to be adequately represented.
Belizean Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration Eamon Courtenay said that excluding Taiwan from the international community “is inconsistent with the realities of today’s world.”
Photo: AFP
“Taiwan is a vibrant, democratic country with the willingness and capacity to contribute to addressing global challenges. Belize calls for Taiwan’s full inclusion in the international system,” he said.
During the first five days of the General Debate, 11 of Taiwan’s 13 diplomatic allies spoke out for the nation, calling for Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN system and international organizations.
Haiti was the only country that formally recognizes Taiwan but did not voice its support for the country, as it did last year.
Tomorrow the Holy See, also a diplomatic ally, is set to deliver its statement.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin did not mention Taiwan in his address during last year’s General Debate.
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