TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and Health Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan announced on Thursday (May 18) the government's plans to send a delegation to Geneva for the annual World Health Assembly (WHA) despite not receiving an invitation.
Speaking at a press conference, Wu stated, "We will exhaust all available channels to convey our message to the World Health Organization, advocating for Taiwan's inclusion as an observer at the assembly."
The Health Minister explained that he will still lead a team that will head out on Friday (May 19) to seize the opportunity to exchange information with WHO members.
"We anticipate that this delegation and its activities will genuinely represent the aspirations of the 23 million Taiwanese people, who seek participation in international health organizations, particularly the WHO," Hsueh said.
Meanwhile, 12 of Taiwan's 13 allies have also written to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, voicing support for the nation's inclusion as a WHA observer. The 76th annual WHA will unfold from May 21 to May 30 in Geneva.
