Bilateral Virtual Meeting between Taiwan's Minister of Health and Welfare Chen and Secretary Azar of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services- Ministry of Health and Welfare

Taiwan's Minister of Health and Welfare Shih-Chung Chen and Secretary Alex Azar II of the United States Department of Health and Human Services held a bilateral virtual meeting at 8:00 p.m. on April 27, Taiwan time (8:00 a.m. April 27, Eastern Standard Time).

Secretary Alex Azar II of the United States Department of Health and Human Services Taiwan's Minister of Health and Welfare Shih-Chung Chen

During the meeting, Secretary Azar praised Taiwan on its COVID-19 containment and thanked Taiwan for providing masks. Both sides exchanged COVID-19 prevention strategies as well as shared their views regarding global health security and other key health issues, particularly the need for Taiwan's inclusion in the World Health Organization (WHO).

Minister Chen expressed his appreciation to Secretary Azar for the recent cooperation between the United States and Taiwan on the efforts to combat COVID-19, also for the strong support extended by the United States for Taiwan's participation in the WHO. Minister Chen told Secretary Azar that he hopes the U.S. will continue to support for Taiwan's full participation in the World Health Assembly as observer and WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities.

Secretary Azar reaffirms the continued and concrete support from the U.S. of expanding Taiwan's participation in the WHO and global health arena, which will allow Taiwan to share its health expertise with the world and make greater contributions.

Before concluding the meeting, both sides agreed to enhance bilateral exchange and to expand health cooperation, especially in research and development of COVID-19 vaccines and medicines, as well as medical supplies and equipment. Both sides looked forward to meeting each other again.

The meeting between Minister Chen and Secretary Azar lasted over 30 minutes, during which time Minister Chen was accompanied by Director Brent Christensen of AIT, Szu-Chien Hsu(徐斯儉), Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Director-General Chin-Hsiang Yao (姚金祥) and Director-General Bob L.J. Chen Chen (陳龍錦) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director-General Jih-Haw Chou (周志浩) of Centers for Disease Control, Counsellor Li-Ling Liu (劉麗玲) of Ministry of Health and Welfare.