Taiwan's FM in Malawi

Taiwan's Foreign Minister James Huang has arrived in Malawi's capital Blantyre at the start of a five-nation African tour, during which he will meet with President Bingu wa Mutharika.

Speaking to reporters on his arrival, Huang bemoaned the exclusion of his island nation from the United Nations, saying that his country and its citizens would benefit the global community.

"It's not fair to exclude us from the UN, the most important organisation...The global community would also benefit from us as we are the 18th largest economy in the world."

Taiwan, under its official name, the Republic of China, lost its UN seat to China in 1971. The two sides split in 1949 after a civil war.

Taipei's efforts to rejoin the world body have been repeatedly blocked by Beijing, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting re-unification.

"Taiwan has developmental experience to share with our partners. We do have rich human resources able to transform countries into excellent economic performers," said the minister, flanked by his Malawian counterpart, Joyce Banda.

Some 32 smartly dressed orphans from an orphanage funded by a Taiwanese charity, waved Malawian and Taiwanese flags and sang songs of praise of the two nations, as Huang walked to the VIP lounge.

Huang said his country had in the past received "overwhelming support" from other countries to rejoin the UN, saying "obstruction came from China."

"We will still do our best to join the UN and work for the better life of people," Huang said.

He thanked Malawi, with which Taipei established diplomatic relations in 1965, "for supporting us in the UN effort."

"The chief mission is to report to the president on the current status of bilateral projects," he said, adding that Taiwan was keen to develop new areas of co-operation in information and education "to bridge the digital gap between the rich and the poor.

He departs for Swaziland tomorrow after witnessing part of the celebrations to mark Malawi's 43 years of independence from Britain.

He will also visit Gambia, Burkina Faso and Sao Tome and Principe before rounding up the African tour on July 11. -AFP