It is a great pleasure and honor for me to attend the Africa Day Celebrations tonight, hosted by the "Group of African Ambassadors and Representatives" based in the Republic of China (Taiwan). I am here, accompanied by Vice President Lu, whose attendance along with mine helps to underscore the significance of this occasion. We all know that Africa Day commemorates the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963. On July 9, 2002, the OAU was transformed into the African Union. This is not only a remarkable accomplishment for regional integration, following the establishment the European Union, but also provided the African continent with a new opportunity for unity and cooperation.
During my first term as President, I led delegations from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to visit our seven diplomatic allies in Africa, once in August 2000, and again in July of 2002. The governments and peoples of our African allies extended to us their warm welcome and wonderful hospitality, making us feel right at home in Africa. I am convinced that in the remaining three years of my second-term as President, I will have another opportunity to visit our African allies and meet with our dear friends in Africa again.
As I was the first head of state from Taiwan to ever set foot in Africa, the media coverage of my visits to Africa has broadened the horizon for the people of Taiwan, providing them with a more in-depth and accurate portrait of Africa—a sunshine continent where hope, laughter and opportunity could be found. Moreover, through these media footage and articles in the press, the people of Taiwan have gained a deeper understanding of Taiwan's long-term cooperative assistance to the development of our African allies, as well as the hard work that representatives and volunteers from Taiwan have put forth in Africa.
Since my visits, a number of media groups from Taiwan have traveled to African countries and made in-depth reports there. For example, a recent drama series produced by the Taiwan Public Television Service tells the moving story of Dr. Lien Chia-en, a young doctor from Taiwan who joined the alternative diplomatic service program, a substitute for compulsory military service, in Burkina Faso—one of our allies in West Africa. I believe that this drama, entitled Hand in Hand, will allow viewers in Taiwan to see the lives and challenges people in Africa experience on a daily basis. The drama faithfully depicts the lasting love and compassion that the people of Taiwan have shared with Africa over the years.
In late February this year, I had the opportunity to exchange views with former US President Bill Clinton on his foundation's work in helping the African people improve their education and fight HIV-AIDS. Recently, Ms. Chang Hui-mei, known as "A-mei," a very popular singer from Taiwan, became the celebrity spokeswoman for the "30 Hour Famine" campaign and traveled to Sudan with other volunteers from World Vision to visit people suffering from famine. Ms. Chang unfortunately fell ill due to fatigue from her long journey. Taiwan and Sudan do not have formal diplomatic relations, but that does not stop Ms. Chang, who is from one of Taiwan's aboriginal tribes, from lavishing her love and compassion on the African people in need. Her story is a touching example of the unreserved love Taiwan has for Africa, worthy of our recognition and commendation. Last weekend, millions of people joined concerts held in nine cities around the globe urging political leaders to tackle poverty in Africa. Their action proves that the world's concern over Africa has transcended national borders.
Distinguished guests: we live in the global village, where language is no longer a barrier and geographical distance no longer an issue. If we help one another and share each other's burden and hardship, we are members of the same family. Many countries in Africa need the international community's assistance to reduce poverty, provide healthcare, prevent and control disease, enhance educational quality, improve infrastructure, and consolidate democracy and peace. We are more than willing to provided assistance to these countries no matter whether these countries are diplomatic allies of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Our African allies cherish the assistance and care the 23 million people of Taiwan provide and continue to speak for Taiwan in international organizations and international community. This year, Taiwan launched its ninth bid to participate in the World Health Organization. Our African allies, together with Taiwan's allies in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region, jointly spoke in Taiwan's favor. The United States, Japan and Members of the European Union also expressed their support for Taiwan's efforts to seek observership at the World Health Assembly. Furthermore, the principle of universal application, which was adopted in the revised version of the International Health Regulations this year, reinforces the legitimacy of Taiwan's efforts to become a member of the international community.
Our African allies' long-term support and assistance to Taiwan have touched the hearts of our people. On behalf of the government of the Republic of China and the people of Taiwan, I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my sincere appreciation to our African allies. I would also like to reiterate that the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) will further strengthen its bilateral cooperation and cordial ties with our African allies so that we together can be partners in pursuing sustainable development for our countries.
Once again, I would like to thank the ambassadors and representatives of African countries in Taiwan for promoting friendly cooperation between Taiwan and your respective countries. I also hope that your governments will continue to lend your support for Taiwan.
In closing, Vice President Lu and I would like to invite all distinguished guests to join us for a toast to wish the African Union robust development in unity and prosperity, and to all of you, health and happiness! Thank you!