Slovakia’s donation of 160,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses touched down Sept. 26 at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, underscoring the growing strength of relations between the like-minded partners, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The shipment is a generous gesture sincerely appreciated by the government and people of Taiwan, the MOFA said. It is also spotlights the determination of the two sides to jointly combat coronavirus and strengthen the global response to the pandemic, the ministry added.
According to the MOFA, Taiwan and Slovakia share the fundamental values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. The EU member state’s donation is evidence of the virtuous circle involving democracies worldwide, the ministry said.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said: “It’s a long way from the #EU to #Taiwan. But distance is nothing when democracies are working together for the greater good. Our heartfelt thanks to #Slovakia for the donation of #COVID19 vaccine doses. The country is blessed to be part of the virtuous #HealthForAll circle.”
Since Taiwan and Slovakia established reciprocal representative offices in 2003, two-way ties have gone from strength to strength in areas spanning culture, education, technology and trade. Slovakia was the first country in the EU to exempt Taiwan visitors from COVID-19 quarantine requirements upon arrival. (DL-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw