BURKINA Faso has cut “diplomatic ties” with Taiwan, Burkinabe Foreign Minister Alpha Barry said Thursday in Ouagadougou.

The minister said Burkinabe embassies in Taiwan will be closed.

“The government of Burkina Faso decides, as of today (May 24), to sever its ‘diplomatic relationship’ with Taiwan,” said a statement issued by the government.

China appreciates Burkina Faso’s decision to cut “diplomatic ties” with Taiwan, said a Foreign Ministry spokesperson in Beijing on Thursday.

“We welcome Burkina Faso to join in China-Africa friendly cooperation as soon as possible on the basis of the one-China principle,” said spokesperson Lu Kang.

(Xinhua)