The deputy director general on Home Assignment at the Department of African Affairs, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan, Samuel SM Kuo, has described The Gambia as unique in Taiwan's decades' long struggle to be part of the United Nation bodies.

In an interview with the Daily Observer, at the fringes of the official opening of the 2009 Taiwan Culture and Study Tour in Taipei, recently, Kuo said The Gambia-Taiwan bilateral relation has been very helpful. In his own words, "with the help of The Gambia and our other friends, Taiwan gained observer status at the world Health Assembly in May 2009, after many trials. The Gambia is really a genuine friend of Taiwan. We really cherish the relationship."

73 participants at Taiwan Study Tour. The Taiwanese diplomat also thanked the Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, for his unshakable stance in making sure that 23 million Taiwanese people regain their status at the UN.

The 2009 Taiwan Culture and Study Tour runs from July 28 to August 10. The Taiwan Culture and Study Tour currently underway in Taipei, is meant to enhance better understand of participants, at least 73 of them drawn from Africa and Europe, in every aspect of Taiwan such as environmental protection and ecology, socio-economic and high-tech development as well as aboriginal cultures.

Sponsored by the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Study Tour is also, among other things, meant to facilitate the understanding of youths from Africa and Europe in terms of cultural access to Taiwan by establishing mutually solid friendship. Speaking at the formal opening of the Culture and Study Tour, the Taiwanese deputy director general of Home Assignment at the Department of European Affairs, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a short statement, told participants to make the best use of their stay in the country.

According to him, the study tour will give participants the opportunity to discuss important issues and as well have a gist of Taiwan's culture. "As part of the study tour, you will be visiting government agencies, experience Taiwan's traditional dramas, visit NGOs and have workshops on issues of environmental protection and urban development with members from youth organisations and women groups, among others". He assured of his ministry's continued support to participants at all times.