Over 10,000 pieces of thermal clothing were donated by Taiwan to Ukraine, underscoring the government’s commitment to helping the people of the East European country survive the harsh winter temperatures, according to the ROC (Taiwan) Embassy to the Holy See Feb. 15.
Coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with Cardinal Konrad Krajewski from the Office of Papal Charities, the donation was presented by ROC (Taiwan) Amb. to the Holy See Matthew S. M. Lee to the cardinal Feb. 13 in Vatican City, with Ukraine Amb. to the Vatican Andrii Yurash looking on. The thermal clothing was delivered to Ukraine immediately after the presentation ceremony, the embassy added.
During the event, Lee expressed appreciation to Krajewski for his close cooperation with the embassy on humanitarian initiatives over the last few years. These have included donations of Taiwan-made face masks, canned pineapple and tuna, electric cookers, locally grown rice and environmentally friendly blankets provided by Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, he added.
Echoing his remarks, the cardinal thanked Taiwan for its timely donations to Ukraine, citing Premier Chen Chien-jen’s announcement of a 30,000 euro contribution to Ukraine refugees during his visit to the Vatican last September.
Yurash similarly expressed gratitude to Taiwan on behalf of the government and people of Ukraine. He is pleased to see Taiwan’s continued cooperation with the Office of Papal Charities, he said, adding that it will help advance friendship among Taiwan, the Vatican and Ukraine while raising Taiwan’s profile in the international community. (YCH-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw