April 17, 2019
no. 087
The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) expresses concern and solidarity over the Notre Dame Cathedral fire of April 15, awaiting the final assessment from the French government about the damage to this world-renowned historic site located in Paris.
Immediately after learning of the catastrophe, President Tsai Ing-wen and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed their dismay and best wishes via Twitter. Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Jaushieh Wu also extended his sympathy and gained a better understanding of the situation through a phone call to Benoît Guidée, Director of the French Office in Taipei.
Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist sites in Paris, serving as an important cultural site and a part of the heritage of all mankind. Like France, Taiwan spares no effort to preserve its own cultural assets. Thus, the people and government of Taiwan share the pain and sorrow of the people of France over the damage to this unique cultural asset cherished by all mankind. It is our earnest wish that Notre Dame Cathedral can be repaired quickly, restoring its previous magnificence. (E)