Taipei, April 24 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian expressed his appreciation Thursday to Abdoulaye Bouna Niang, vice president of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and Senegal's minister of agriculture and livestock, for upholding the membership and rights of the Republic of China in the organization.
The president noted that the OIE, which was inaugurated in 1924, has made great contributions to the prevention of communicable diseases in animals and to quarantine and inspection for domestic animals and animal products.
The president noted that with 162 members, the OIE has more members than the World Trade Organization, which has 146 members.
He added that since Taiwan joined the OIE in 1954, it has dutifully fulfilled its obligations as a member, in contrast with mainland China, which joined the organization in 1993 but has failed to submit its membership fees or attend any OIE activities.
The president noted that the mainland has covered up the extent of SARS, just as it has in the past with outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, showing a total disregard for the health of humans and animals.
Chen promised that the Republic of China will take part in more OEI activities and will contribute more.
He said that there are no borders as far as disease, hygiene and quarantine is concerned and added that Taiwan hopes to join the World Health Organization, with Senegal's support.
He noted that the two nations have solid relations and that when he led a delegation to Senegal last year, he was greeted with warmth and hospitality. He also conveyed his greetings to Senegal President Wade Abdoulaye.