The backing of the global community for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the International Criminal Police Organization is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Oct. 22.
A total of 50 countries, including Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, and over 1,375 dignitaries, administrative authorities, law-making bodies and cross-national parliamentary organizations voiced support for the country’s Interpol bid, the MOFA said. These took the form of letters, official statements and social media posts, the ministry added.
Among the high-profile advocates were Amanda Milling, minister for Asia at the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Wopke Hoekstra, the Netherlands’ minister of foreign affairs.
According to the MOFA, such a strong show of support underscores the legitimacy of Taiwan’s Interpol participation. In addition, an op-ed outlining how Taiwan Can Help build a safer and more secure world by Li Hsi-ho, commissioner of the Criminal Investigation Bureau under the Ministry of the Interior, has been carried out by 85 international media outlets, the ministry said.
As an important stakeholder in the global police community, Taiwan is willing and able to make greater contributions, the MOFA said, adding that Interpol should arrange for the country to take part in its activities, mechanisms and meetings so as to strengthen international security.
Established in 1923 and headquartered in France, Interpol is the world’s second-largest intergovernmental organization after the U.N., with 195 member states. It facilitates transborder police cooperation to enhance public safety. (DL-E)