An announced donation of 10,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses by Slovakia to Taiwan is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs July 16.
The EU member state’s decision to provide Taiwan with vaccines is a genuine show of friendship and generosity, the MOFA said. It also serves as an inspiring example of democratic partners closely cooperating in combating coronavirus, the ministry added.
As Taiwan continues its strong COVID-19 fightback, the MOFA said, Slovakia’s timely assistance touches the hearts of the people and is genuinely welcomed by all segments of society.
The latest donation follows those by Japan, Lithuania and the U.S., and underscores the spirit of care and support defining the democratic world, the ministry said. Such largesse is testament to the fact the forces for good never leave one of their own behind, the MOFA added.
Karol Galek, second state secretary of Slovakia’s Ministry of Economy, described the donation in a statement as a natural response to the 700,000 surgical masks provided by Taiwan when coronavirus was raging in his country. Cooperation with Taiwan is important to Slovakia and will help deepen bilateral ties, he said.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “We welcome #Slovakia’s decision to donate 10K #COVID19 vaccine doses to #Taiwan. The generous gesture reflects the strength of friendship & exchanges between our freedom- & democracy-loving countries, as well as a commitment to boosting the global response to the pandemic.”
According to the ministry, Taiwan and Slovakia share the fundamental values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. Cooperation spans areas like culture, education, technology and trade, with the central European country the first in the EU to exempt Taiwan visitors from quarantine requirements upon arrival. (SFC-E)
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