TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The House of Representatives of the US state of Connecticut on Thursday unanimously approved a motion supporting Taiwan’s bid to attend the World Health Assembly.
For the ninth year in a row, Taiwan did not receive an invitation to attend the global event as a result of pressure from China. Nevertheless, a delegation led by Health and Welfare Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) left for Geneva Friday.
The document approved by the Connecticut House also called for the signing of an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, per CNA. The passage marked the 26th anniversary of a sister state agreement between Connecticut and Taiwan.
The motion emphasized the shared values of democracy and freedom, the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait, and Taiwan’s role as an indispensable partner of the US in the Indo-Pacific.
Connecticut also underlined the importance of deepening economic and trade relations with Taiwan, as they would benefit investment and employment in the state. In addition, the voicing of support for Taiwan’s international efforts was not limited to the May 19-27 World Health Assembly in Geneva, but also mentioned Interpol, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Following a memorandum of understanding signed in January, Taiwan and Connecticut intensified student exchanges and cooperation on Mandarin language studies and culture, said Taiwan Representative in New York Tom Lee (李志強). He said he hoped the two sides could soon conclude an agreement to recognize each other’s driver’s licenses.
