Taiwan invited to attend ICAO assembly

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New Zealand

Taiwan invited to attend ICAO assembly

Taiwan's invitation to the 2013 assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) marks a new step in the country's pursuit of a higher profile in the international community, Foreign Minsiter David Lin said on September 13.

Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez, president of the ICAO Council, sent an invitation to Taiwan's Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) Director-General Jean Shen, inviting her to head a delegation to the upcoming triennial ICAO conference as his guests.

"It's the first time that the ICAO, a United Nations specialized agency, has ever invited Taiwan to participate in its activities since our country withdrew from the U.N. 42 years ago," Lin said.

Since 2009, Taiwan has been seeking international support for its bid to participate in ICAO to help promote international civil aviation safety and orderly development of global aviation services, Lin said.

"We have finally taken a stride forward in our bid," he said, adding that the achievement was scored through continued efforts, international support and improved relations across the Taiwan Strait.

Lin said Taiwan will set a precedent when it attends the Sept. 24-Oct. 4 ICAO assembly in Montreal, Canada as guests of the ICAO governing council's president.

Never before has a country ever participated in the ICAO assembly under such an arrangement, which was worked out through extensive consultations and negotiations, Lin said.

"In the process, our diplomatic allies and many other like-minded countries have thrown strong support behind our cause," Lin said.

"It's an innovative formula acceptable to every party, including mainland China," Lin explained.

Asked whether the formula would help break new ground for Taiwan's bid to expand its participation in international activities, Lin said it has indeed provided a new option for the country's strategy of pragmatic diplomacy.

ENDS 

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