A second donation of US$11.5 million for Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs March 15 as part of ongoing efforts to help the global family of nations in a time of need.
Presided over by MOFA Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu, the donation ceremony was attended by Filip Grzegorzewski, head of the European Economic and Trade Office; Cyryl Kozaczewski, director of the Polish Office in Taipei; Martin Podstavek, head of Slovak Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei; Patrick Rumlar, head of the Czech Economic and Cultural Office Taipei; Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy, non-resident fellow of Taipei City-based Taiwan Nextgen Foundation; and Ausra Andriuskaite, representative of Lithuanian expatriates in Taiwan.
Taiwan stands together with the EU member states in strongly condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Wu said, adding that it is hoped love from Taiwan will bring solace to refugees and help them find the strength to rebuild their homes.
In response, Grzegorzewski said millions of Ukraine nationals have been forced to flee the conflict for neighboring countries. The timely donation shows Taiwan’s humanitarianism spirit while demonstrating that it is a rock-solid partner of countries across Europe in upholding the values of freedom and democracy, he added.
In addition, Kozaczewski, Podstavek and Rumlar all expressed their deepest gratitude to the government and people of Taiwan.
The donation follows a handover of US$3.5 million for Ukrainian refugees in Poland made by the government March 7, the MOFA said, adding that further shipments of daily necessities and medical supplies for refugees in Slovakia will be made soon.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said: “More support from #Taiwan for #Ukraine! Minister Wu announced a 2nd donation totaling US$11.5M for those fleeing #Russia’s aggression in #EU states #Poland, #Slovakia, #Hungary, #Czechia & #Lithuania. The gesture underscores the commitment of our country to #StandWithUkraine.” (YCH-E)
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