A Taiwan-Africa parliamentary friendship association was established on Friday to boost ties between Taiwan and its diplomatic allies and other friendly countries in Africa.
Democratic Progressive Party legislator Chiu Chih-wei presided over the ceremony to launch the association, which was attended by the ambassadors of Burkina Faso and Swaziland and the representatives of Sao Tome and Principe, Nigeria and South Africa. The first three countries have full diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Chiu said the association would not be about just talking but would strive for concrete goals in resolving issues related to trade, politics and tourism among other areas.
"I would like here to sincerely ask the ambassadors: there are a number of extant issues between Taiwan and Africa, whether in trade or politics, or problems with visas. We hope we can work with the executive branch [on our side] and that the ambassadors can extend further help and assistance to Taiwan," said Chiu.
The Burkina Faso ambassador, Celine Yoda Konkobo, said that her country’s parliament already has a Taiwan friendship group and hoped Taiwan would likewise set up a reciprocal association.