April 20, 2024
The House of Representatives of the Netherlands on April 18 adopted a motion calling on the Netherlands government to publicly express support for Taiwan in the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global organizations and to urge other EU member states to back Taiwan’s international participation. The motion was passed by an overwhelming majority, with 147 of 150 members voting in favor. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sincerely welcomes and appreciates this support.
The motion points out that Taiwan’s bid for meaningful participation in international organizations is legitimate and aligns with the interests of the Netherlands. Consequently, the motion asks that the Netherlands government urge EU member states to endorse Taiwan’s involvement in WHO, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the International Criminal Police Organization, and other world bodies. It also calls on the Netherlands government to speak up in these organizations with public expressions of support for Taiwan’s participation.
The motion was jointly proposed by Representative Kati Piri of the Green-Labour Alliance (GL/PvdA), Representative Ruben Brekelmans of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), and Representative Jan Paternotte of Democrats 66 (D66). This concrete action of support for Taiwan follows two other motions approved by the Dutch House of Representatives last July calling for stronger cybersecurity cooperation with Taiwan and higher regard for peace across the Taiwan Strait. It also underscores the staunch backing of Taiwan in the House of Representatives following the general elections in the Netherlands in November 2023.
Taiwan and the Netherlands share the universal values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Taiwan will work steadfastly with the Netherlands and other like-minded countries to advance global public health cooperation, enhance people’s health and well-being, and contribute to sustainable prosperity.