The foreign ministry says the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has made a mistake by not inviting Taiwan to attend this year’s forum. That’s the word from the foreign minister, David Lee, on Friday.
The World Aviation Forum will open in Montreal next Tuesday. The forum is held every three years and Taiwan attended the last meeting in 2013 as an observer. It is believed Taiwan did not receive an invitation because China is unhappy with the new government of President Tsai Ing-wen.
Speaking at a press conference, Lee accused ICAO president Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu of ignoring international calls for Taiwan’s inclusion.
Lee said Taiwan’s participation will ensure aviation safety and that the ICAO’s decision has betrayed its sincerity and neutrality.
“The decision is a mistake. It is extremely unfair to Taiwan and [Taiwan’s exclusion] is a major loss to global aviation safety," said Lee.
Lee said aviation is not a political matter and there is no reason that politics should trump aviation safety and security.