Taipei Declaration

1. H.M. King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Swaziland, H.E. Blaise Compaoré, President of Burkina Faso, H.E. Fradique Bandeira Melo de Menezes, President of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, H.E. Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi, and H.E. Dr. Alhaji Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, President of the Republic of The Gambia, represented by H.E. Isatou Njie-Saidy, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, accepted the invitation by H.E. Chen Shui-bian, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) (hereinafter referred to as Taiwan), and gathered here in Taipei to attend the First Taiwan-Africa Heads of State Summit on September 9, 2007. The Summit, attended by the Heads of State of Taiwan and all its African allies, has opened a new chapter in the history of Taiwan-Africa diplomatic relations and is of great historical significance.

2. The leaders extend their appreciation to His Excellency Chen Shui-bian, President of Taiwan, as well as to the people and government of Taiwan, for the warm hospitality received during their stay in Taiwan and for the successful Summit.

3. The leaders held extensive discussions on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Growth in Africa and A Healthy and Sustainable Africa. In this age of globalization, Taiwan will move forward with a digital opportunity program for its African allies to bridge the digital divide. Taiwan also shared its experience in economic development and exchanged opinions with respect to key issues for enhancing Taiwan-Africa cooperation in medical care and environmental protection. The leaders also discussed issues at the heart of national development in the African region in order to strengthen the cooperative partnership in the future. The leaders agree to work together in five major areas: ICT; Trade and Economic Development; Medical and Healthcare; Sustainable Environment; Peace and Security. Meanwhile, the First Taiwan-Africa Heads of State Summit Action Plan will be implemented to progressively accomplish the above goals.

4. The leaders recognize that the ecological environment on which humans depend is rapidly deteriorating, and share a common concern with the international community on such global issues as water scarcity, climate change and global warming. In order for the world and mankind to achieve sustainable development, the international community requires a global institution that can implement global environmental governance by integrating transnational strengths to seek comprehensive solutions to urgent environmental issues. Taiwan, the Kingdom of Swaziland, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, the Republic of Malawi and the Republic of The Gambia will cooperate with the international community and advocate the creation of the World Environment Organization (WEO) in collaboration with all countries of the world.

5. The leaders of Taiwan and its African allies recognize the need for building up friendly and close cooperative relations among themselves by adhering to the spirit of friendship and mutual assistance. All of Taiwan’s African allies will continue to pursue progress, co-prosperity and to establish a progressive partnership with Taiwan so as to adjust to developments in the information age and globalization.

6. The leaders firmly believe that international trade is important for boosting the economy, accelerating social development, increasing employment opportunities, increasing income, eliminating poverty and improving living standards. For African countries to benefit from globalization, it is imperative for the world to abide by trade regulations to make trade processes transparent and fair. The leaders are concerned about the World Trade Organization’s suspension of the Doha Round and how this affects achieving the above goals.

7. The leaders express their concern that Africa, especially Sub-Saharan Africa, is the part of the world most seriously affected by HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and other diseases. These diseases threaten the development, social harmony, political stability, lives and dignity of mankind, and place an enormous burden on African economies and societies. The leaders therefore agree to increase resources, including human and capital, in prevention and treatment.

8. The UN Millennium Declaration reaffirms the building of a more peaceful, prosperous and just world, and emphasizes that governments should collectively shoulder the responsibility of upholding the principles of human dignity, equality and fairness at the global level. The Summit believes that for Africa to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, their own efforts will not suffice, hence additional resources and assistance from the international community must be sought. The leaders agree that social and political conflicts as well as civil wars pose the greatest challenge for economic and social development in Africa. The leaders wish to fulfill their duties and responsibilities as members of the global village. As such, they call on the international community to join them in confronting the issue of civil wars and conflicts in Africa by actively taking part in peace-keeping actions and mechanisms to help maintain peace and security in the region. This will then allow for an environment where sustainable development is possible and peace and security in the region can be maintained. The leaders also unanimously agree to support UN resolutions passed by the Security Council, which aim at bringing peace and resolving the refugee crisis in Africa, in particular Darfur. The leaders are willing to provide timely humanitarian aid.

9. The leaders believe that as a sovereign country, Taiwan should not be deprived of its right to participate in the United Nations, the World Health Organization and other international organizations. Taiwan’s African allies support Taiwan’s legitimate right to join the United Nations and its specialized agencies such as the World Health Organization. Taiwan’s allies will also continue to staunchly support Taiwan’s deserved right to fully participate in other international and regional activities and organizations.

10. At the Summit’s conclusion, the six leaders of Taiwan, the Kingdom of Swaziland, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, the Republic of Malawi and the Republic of The Gambia jointly called for the end of tensions and conflicts across the Taiwan Strait, in Africa and the world as a whole.

11. All the leaders express their satisfaction with the successful organization and substantial achievements of the Summit and Action Plan. The leaders agree to establish a Follow-up Committee for the implementation of the Action Plan.

12. The Summit decides that the second Taiwan-Africa Heads of State Summit be held in Africa in 2009.

Signed in Taipei, the Republic of China (Taiwan), on September 9, 2007

H.E. Chen Shui-bian, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan)

H.M. King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Swaziland

H.E. Blaise Compaoré, President of Burkina Faso   

H.E. Fradique Bandeira Melo de Menezes, President of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe

H.E. Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi

H.E. Isatou Njie-Saidy, Vice-President of the Republic of The Gambia