Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung is strengthening the global response to COVID-19 by staging virtuals on related issues with the country’ like-minded partners such as Slovenia Prime Minister and acting Minister of Health Janez Jansa. (MOFA)

A virtual on COVID-19 issues took place Jan. 6 between Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung and Slovenia Prime Minister and acting Minister of Health Janez Jansa, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the dialogue, Chen thanked the government of Slovenia for backing Taiwan’s bid for meaningful participation in the World Health Assembly.  He also said that coronavirus knows no borders, and the two sides will continue strengthening exchanges and cooperation on disease prevention measures going forward.

In response, Jansa praised Taiwan’s successful management of the pandemic. This is demonstrated by the government and people’s vigilance and early actions, he said.

Jansa also took the opportunity to express appreciation for Taiwan’s donation of surgical masks last April to the EU member state. He further mentioned the contributions of late Dr. Janez Janez, who helped deepen friendship, medical collaboration and people-to-people ties between the two sides.

Janez, a devout Catholic, came to Taiwan in 1952 to assist with the construction of Saint Mary’s Hospital in the northeastern county of Yilan’s Luodong Township. He performed more than 80,000 surgeries and trained countless nurses in country until his death in 1990 aged 78.

According to the MOFA, staunch support for Taiwan from Slovenia and PM Janez is valued tremendously. The government will continue coordinating ministries and agencies to expand related exchanges with the country’s like-minded partners, the ministry added.

In a tweet on its official account, the MOFA said “Excellent virtual between @MOHW_Taiwan Minister Chen & #Slovenia’s @JJansaSDS. The pair talked #COVID19 issues like global spread, response measures & vaccines. #Taiwan anticipates working even closer with the #EU country in combating #Coronavirus & realizing #HealthForAll.” (YCH-E)