Taipei, Sept. 4 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian on Tuesday solicited support from Vatican City for the Republic of China's bid to rejoin the World Health Organization (WHO) as an observer.
During a meeting at the Presidential Office with Most Rev. Javier Lozano Barragan from the Holy See, Chen reiterated Taiwan's stance on seeking observer status in the WHO, stressing that the island's bid to join the organization is purely for medical and related purposes, an effort that should not be politicized.
Chen offered his appreciation and gratitude to the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care when he met with Most Rev. Javier Lozano Barragan, president of the Vatican-based council, for the organization's long-term social work around the globe, including a five-decade presence in Luotung township in Taiwan's eastern county of Ilan.
In addition to the welfare work that the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care has done in Taiwan through St. Mary's Hospital in Luotung, the Roman Catholic Church as a whole has made continual and significant contributions to Taiwan society and people, taking care of the elderly, children who are physically challenged, patients of chronic diseases and other people in need, Chen noted.
For decades, Chen said, the ROC government and its 23 million citizens have spared no effort to cherish life, uphold human rights and foster social welfare--much like the Catholic Church has done.
Noting that Taiwan has for years had a nationwide National Health Insurance Program, Chen stressed that Taiwan is more than willing to share its experiences and achievements in carrying out the health insurance program with other members of the international community.
Chen, meanwhile, asked Lozano to convey his greetings to the Pope, hoping that with the Pope's inspiration, the world will find peace, the Taiwan Strait will find stability and so will the island of Taiwan itself.
For his part, Lozano conveyed the Pope's greetings to Chen. He said related personnel from Taiwan are welcome to participate in the 16th International Medicare Conference to be held in Rome in November under the auspices of the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care. Taiwan delegations have taken part in similar conferences in the past.