In the News

Ma lauds healthy state of ROC-African ally ties

ROC President Ma Ying-jeou toasts strong ROC-Africa relations at the government’s Africa Day reception May 25 in Taipei City. (CNA)

• Publication Date：05/28/2012
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Rachel Chan

President Ma Ying-jeou praised the strength of relations between the ROC and its African diplomatic allies at an Africa Day reception May 25 in Taipei City.

Exchanges between the ROC and its allies on the continent have gone from strength to strength in recent years, Ma said. This is best illustrated by the nation’s rising profile as a provider of humanitarian aid and facilitator of community-based development programs, he added.

The reception kicked off a fashion show and cultural exhibition organized by the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs to heighten local awareness of the country’s African allies.

Ma said that Africa Day, which is observed May 25 by communities around the world to commemorate the founding of the Organization of African Unity in 1963, marks a milestone in regional integration.

“The founding of the organization, now known as the African Union, signifies an alliance of cooperation and the African people’s pursuit of independence and prosperity.”

Despite their geographic distance, Ma said the ROC and its African allies bridge this divide through frequent exchanges and the shared values of democracy, peace and prosperity.

Since taking office in May 2008, the president has hosted seven visits by the leaders of ROC diplomatic allies, including Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore, Gambia President Yayah A.J.J. Jammeh, former Sao Tome and Principe President Fradique Bandeira Melo de Menezes, and Swaziland’s King Mswati III. Ma also made a reciprocal state visit April 7-18 to Burkina Faso, The Gambia and Swaziland.

The president said the healthy state of bilateral relations is also evidenced by the staunch support of the African allies for the country’s bid to participate in organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change.

In addition, cooperation projects such as the “A Lamp Lighting up Africa” initiative, which helps children study at night with light-emitting diode, or LED, lamps, also reaffirms this close friendship, Ma said. (JSM)

Write to Rachel Chan at ccchan@mofa.gov.tw