Taiwan deputy minister visits French Indian Ocean territory Mayotte

Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung led a delegation to Mayotte, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, in late July, accepting an invitation from French Senator Thani Mohamed Soilihi. Officials noted that the visit garnered significant attention from local government and various sectors, with many expressing strong approval of Taiwan's efforts to uphold democracy, freedom, and the right to self-determination.

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Taiwan's efforts to maintain democracy and freedom and the people's right to choose are deeply recognized.

Mayotte, located in the southwestern Indian Ocean, is a French overseas department and the EU's outermost region. With a population of about 300,000, it is surrounded by the sea and boasts beautiful scenery, rich marine resources, and natural landscapes. The region has been actively developing its tourism and marine economy. In December 2024, Mayotte was hit by the severe tropical cyclone "Chido," the worst storm in nearly 90 years, causing extensive damage to homes and leading to widespread water and power outages, insufficient medical capacity, and shortages of daily necessities.

In the spirit of "Taiwan Can Help" and humanitarian concern, Taiwan's government donated 250,000 Euros (approximately NT$9 million) through the French Red Cross in March 2025 to assist Mayotte with post-disaster reconstruction and the recovery of residents' lives. French media reported that Deputy Minister Wu's itinerary included meetings with local political figures and exchanges with aid organizations and beneficiaries.

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Taiwan's humanitarian aid to Mayotte was proposed by Wu and approved by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, demonstrating Taiwan's consistent commitment to humanitarian principles and solidarity with democratic partners during international natural disasters.

Officials stated that Taiwan's humanitarian aid to Mayotte was proposed by Wu and approved by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, demonstrating Taiwan's consistent commitment to humanitarian principles and solidarity with democratic partners during international natural disasters. The visit was widely covered by local media, and residents expressed gratitude for Taiwan's timely assistance after the cyclone. They were also impressed by Taiwan's economic development, technological strength, and international contributions, anticipating deeper future exchanges in trade, culture, education, and tourism. They welcomed more Taiwanese visitors and investors to further promote bilateral interaction.

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The local people expressed gratitude for Taiwan's timely assistance after the cyclone and were impressed by Taiwan's economic development, technological strength, and international contributions.

Despite Mayotte being a French overseas department, the neighboring Union of the Comoros continues to claim sovereignty over it, subjecting the region to ongoing sovereignty disputes and international political pressure. During discussions with local politicians and various figures, many expressed understanding of Taiwan's long-standing challenges with external political pressure and limited international participation, affirming their recognition of Taiwan's dedication to maintaining democracy, freedom, and the people's right to choose.

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Many expressed understanding of Taiwan's long-standing challenges with external political pressure and limited international participation, affirming their recognition of Taiwan's dedication to maintaining democracy, freedom, and the people's right to choose.