The World Health Assembly (WHA) will convene in May in Geneva. Yasuhisa Kawamura, the spokesperson of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated Japan's support for Taiwan's participation as an observer at the upcoming WHO plenary session at a press conference on April 9.
Kawamura particularly pointed out that "the observer status would be appropriate," and he "hopes that at the upcoming May General Assembly of the WHO, the observer participation by Taiwan will thus be realized."
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for Japan's continuous and unwavering support for Taiwan's participation as an observer in the WHA. As there are no national boundaries for epidemics like SARS and bird flu, Taiwan can benefit from participating in the WHA by receiving timely information on health related issues.
In addition, to fight epidemics requires international cooperation, Taiwan will therefore be able to enhance collaborating on matters such as medical exchanges, promotion of health awareness and education, and the interaction of the medical professionals with the international community through multilateral cooperation. Thus, it is a "win-win" situation for Taiwan and the global community when Taiwan becomes an observer in the WHA.
Again, we thank Japan for its endeavor in supporting Taiwan.