PR-2027
August 10, 2020
The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO)
Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Health Cooperation
On August 10, 2020, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on health cooperation. The MOU provides that AIT and TECRO, through the designated representatives of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), intend to strengthen their cooperation and collaboration on health.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar II and Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare Minister Chen Shih-chung witnessed the signing of the MOU, which was undertaken by AIT Director W. Brent Christensen and Taiwan Council for U.S. Affairs (TCUSA) Chairperson Jen-ni Yang. The visit of the delegation led by U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar II marks the first visit to Taiwan by an HHS Secretary, the first Cabinet member to visit in six years, and the highest level visit by a U.S. Cabinet official since 1979.
The MOU builds on the decades of strong cooperation that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its affiliated agencies have enjoyed with Taiwan counterparts, universities and private companies. It will strengthen ongoing cooperation on global health security, investigation and control of infectious disease, research, prevention and treatment of chronic disease, and the development of drugs and vaccines. Taiwan’s role in the international community is critical, as demonstrated by its remarkable success battling COVID-19 as a free and transparent democratic society.
During remarks offered during the signing ceremony, AIT Director W. Brent Christensen said, “Taiwan has demonstrated time and again that it is a reliable partner and a force for good in the world. Moments like these are exactly why we describe the U.S.-Taiwan relationship as “Real friends, real progress,” and I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for Taiwan’s friendship.”
