President Ma Ying-jeou met with Burkina Faso Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation Bédouma Alain Yoda at the Presidential Office on the morning of January 21. The president, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC, extended a cordial welcome to Minister Yoda and the delegation he has led to Taiwan.
President Ma remarked that Minister Yoda last visited Taiwan eight years ago. Relations between the two countries have continued to develop over this period, the president said, adding that he hopes this visit will further solidify the alliance between the ROC and Burkina Faso.
The president noted that ties between the two countries have been quite strong since the resumption of diplomatic relations in 1994. Burkina Faso, he said, has expressed its support many times in international settings for the ROC's participation in UN-affiliated organizations. Last year, President Blaise Compaore at the 15th meeting of the state parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen spoke on behalf of the ROC, noting that it was unable to take part in this activity. President Ma said that the government and people of the ROC will remember this gesture of friendship.
The president commented that Minister Yoda has a strong academic background and a wealth of experience. He previously served as Burkina Faso's health minister. In addition, over the years he has consistently been a strong proponent of the ROC's participation in the World Health Organization. Minister Yoda is one of President Compaore's key staff members, he said. President Ma stated that Burkina Faso is a staunch African ally of the ROC and the country once served on the UN's Security Council as a non-permanent member. Burkina Faso won respect for its efforts in working with other nations in handling and mediating international disputes, he said. President Ma furthermore remarked that President Compaore has become an important regional leader in Western Africa. Two years ago, President Compaore came to Taiwan to personally attend inauguration ceremonies for President Ma. President Ma said that the two leaders had a dialogue during a state dinner that made him realize the depth of the friendship Burkina Faso has for the ROC, as well as its willingness to assist the ROC in expanding its relations in Africa.
Minister Yoda first passed along President Compaore's best regards to President Ma. He also stressed that Burkina Faso will continue to be a loyal friend to the ROC. Minister Yoda also expressed gratitude on behalf of his nation's government for the sympathy expressed by the ROC as well as the assistance provided after his nation experienced flooding last September. He also thanked the ROC for the assistance it has provided over the years to his country in the areas of agriculture, medicine and education.