President Tsai Ing-wen conveyed her condolences Jan. 15 to those affected by the magnitude 6. 2 earthquake and subsequent landslides occurring earlier the same day on Sulawesi island in Indonesia.
According to the Presidential Office, Tsai directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist the New Southbound Policy target country if requested. She also instructed the MOFA to ascertain the condition of the country’s expatriates while ensuring the security of Taiwan-owned businesses.
In response, MOFA Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu requested Larry R. L. Tseng, director general of the ministry’s Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, to call Budi Santoso, head of the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office to Taipei, and express Taiwan’s sincere sympathies to the government and people.
No ROC (Taiwan) nationals have been reported injured or missing to date, the MOFA said, adding that the Taipei Economic and Trade Offices in Jakarta and Surabaya will keep a close eye on the situation going forward.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “Our thoughts & prayers go out to those affected by the earthquake & landslides on Sulawesi island. Taiwan stands ready to assist Indonesia if requested.”
A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP aims to enhance Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of South East Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand. (YCH-E)
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