The Ministry of Health and Welfare says Taiwan has seen positive results at this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA) that opened Monday in Geneva.
The WHA is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization.
A press release issued by the ministry Tuesday morning says the Taiwanese delegation has held talks with 23 countries and international organizations, including Palau, the Solomon Islands and Nicaragua.
Led by Health Minister Lin Tzou-yien, the delegation is focused on five issues. These include noncommunicable diseases, health promotion, preventing the spread of contagious diseases, healthcare systems and preparing for and monitoring contagious diseases. Lin is also scheduled to give a speech to the assembly on Wednesday.
The Taiwanese delegation is set to hold bilateral talks with the United States, as has been the case in the past.
Taiwan held talks with China at the WHA in 2013 but there have been no signs that there will be a repeat this year, owing to the latest controversy over the “1992 Consensus.” Still, Lin exchanged pleasantries with his Chinese counterpart when they met unexpectedly Tuesday. Lin called it a “friendly gesture sent by both sides.”