Taiwanese chargé d’affaire Pascal Wang has delivered 20 new motorcycles to Burkina Faso Defence Minister Yéro Boly to bolster military cooperation between the two countries.

The French ADIT research agency notes the motorcycles will be integrated into the National Gendarmerie and the country's Escort and Honour Squadron (EEH). “This donation is part of strengthening the close friendship between our two peoples, embodied in practice by many exchanges at the political, economic and social development”, Wang said at a ceremony last Monday. Boly in turn put emphasis on mutual exchange, particularly in the field of education and training. He also highlighted the participation of senior officers during military exercises held annually in Taipei and for the training of military personnel in Burkina Faso. The ADIT says landlocked Burkina Faso has received more than 1.5 billion Central African Francs (€2.28 million) in equipment between 2002 and 2008; mostly in the form of medical technology (radiology, surgery, laboratory and laundry). The financial support of Taiwan has also enhanced operational capacities of the National Guard through the acquisition of music materials and clothing, added Boly. The bilateral partnership received a boost with the opening of a Training Centre for Airborne Troops (CITAP) at Bobo-Dioulasso. “Contrary to others countries in Africa which have reinforced considerably mutual ties with China, Burkina Faso has made the choice to develop specific cooperation with Taiwan in various fields such as health, education, fishing and agriculture, the ADIT said. Two countries established diplomatic relations in December 1960. The ADIT notes China has meanwhile been active in Togo. Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie earlier this month met Togo armed forces Chief of General Staff Essofa Ayeva. At the meeting Guanglie underlined the “fruitful political, economic and cultural cooperation” between the two countries. He also focused his message on the importance to promote a bilateral military cooperation. Ayeva thanked China for its help and support for Togo’s development.