Two resolutions recently adopted by the European Parliament supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and opening negotiations on a bilateral investment agreement were welcomed Nov. 27 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The first on the foreign policy consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak advocates Taiwan’s observer membership in the World Health Organization and its decision-making body—the World Health Assembly. It also recognizes the country’s effective response to combating coronavirus and related contributions to the global community.
Equally positive is the second on the EU Trade Policy Review in which parliamentarians urge the EU Commission to start the scoping exercise and impact assessment for initiating talks on a BIA with Taiwan as soon as possible.
According to the MOFA, the trade resolution demonstrates growing support for a BIA following the passage of a similar measure by the EP last month. In the Annual Report on the Implementation of the Common Commercial Policy, the EP invited the EC to open a scoping exercise for a swift launch of investment negotiations with Taiwan.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “We sincerely thank the European Parliament for adopting 2 resolutions urging the #EU to support #Taiwan’s participation in the @WHO, as well as commence negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement ASAP.” (YCH-E)
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