BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - AT the 75th United Nations General Assembly which wrapped up on Saturday (Sept. 26), Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris made an impassioned plea for Taiwan to be included in the international body.
In his presentation on Saturday via virtual means, Dr. Harris described the Republic of Taiwan as a valuable partner that upholds the rule of law, and assists with the fight against COVID-19.
“St. Kitts and Nevis once again renews its call for Taiwan’s inclusion in this international fraternity of Nations. The Republic of China (Taiwan) remains a valuable partner for peace, prosperity and development, with the fullest respect for the rule of international law. Taiwan has stayed true to its longstanding traditions and has remained a true partner in the fight against COVID-19,” Harris explained.
Taiwan has remained one of the biggest allies of St. Kitts and Nevis in recent times, providing Personal Protective Equipment to aid in the fight against COVID-19, along with shipping ventilators to Basseterre to increase the local stock.
“We have seen first-hand Taiwan’s exemplary management of the pandemic within its own borders and we have been impressed quite frankly by its willingness to help vulnerable states all around the world. Taiwan has assisted many states in combating this unprecedented health pandemic by sending more than 51 million surgical masks as well as other medical equipment to more than 80 countries.
“In our view, the international community has been deprived of the gift of true partnership offered by the 23.5 million people of Taiwan. My hope is that Taiwan can be included in the UN system, particularly the WHO – its meetings, mechanisms, and activities, thereby improving the global response and resources available to address transboundary crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Prime Minister explained.
According to Harris: “The exclusion of Taiwan – its experience, expertise and resources – in my view, leaves a partial vacuum in the global response to COVID-19. The World Health Organisation can only benefit from the inclusion of such a worthy member. Equally, the existence of the antiquated embargo against Cuba, in our view, flies against the spirit of global partnerships, which we desire in the future. At this time more than ever, vulnerable Nations must be free to access Cuba’s expertise in health and a myriad of other areas of global concern.”
St. Kitts and Nevis, along with other member states around the region has been pushing for the Asian nation to be included in the United Nations body.
However, China, which has staked claim to Taiwan as being a province of that territory, has fought for non-inclusion.
In fact, the People’s Republic of China’s Embassy in the United Arab Emirates website said, “The United Nations is an international organisation composed of sovereign states. Taiwan, as a province of China, is completely not qualified and has no right to participate in it”.
