President Tsai Ing-wen says the Taiwanese delegation to this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva had successfully completed its goals. Her comments came during a meeting with the delegation on Friday after the group returned to Taipei earlier in the morning.
Tsai said the delegation had succeeded in promoting public health at the annual global forum.
“Taiwan overcame one obstacle after another. The trip was made possible through the efforts of all involved and the tasks were satisfactorily completed," said Tsai.
"The name of our country was not belittled nor were we restrained by a political framework. The [trip] was our first diplomatic battle since the new government took office. I would like to praise all those involved in the trip for [achieving] the goals despite the difficulties.”
Tsai said that the successful trip to the WHA meeting had not come easily, since her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration had only taken office a week ago.
Tsai also said it was vital for Taiwan to be present at the global event, since health and medical care are issues that know no boundaries.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Lin Tzou-yien, who led this year’s delegation to Geneva, said his ministry will set up a task force to facilitate Taiwan’s participation in WHA-related events throughout the whole year.