February 13, 2023
No. 039
In the wake of a powerful earthquake in Türkiye, the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) extended immediate support to the Turkish government’s emergency relief operations. It announced a donation of US$2 million in relief funds and dispatched a 130-member search and rescue team, which saved three lives. It also opened disaster relief accounts for donations. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has continued to closely coordinate relief efforts with related Taiwanese agencies, the Turkish Trade Office in Taipei (TTO), and Turkish government agencies. Related updates are as follows:
- Requesting support from the Ministry of National Defense (MND) in transporting in-kind donations by the Taiwanese people to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
The TTO has publicly expressed sincere gratitude for the Taiwanese people’s generous in-kind donations on multiple occasions. As the surge in donations far exceeded expectations, requiring greater shipping capacities and coordination between the TTO and Türkiye, the TTO moved up the deadline for accepting in-kind donations. On receiving an urgent request from Representative Muhammed Berdibek of the TTO for assistance in prompt shipment of the donated supplies to Türkiye, MOFA immediately reached out to the MND. The MND has decided to send 10 military trucks and 30 servicemen from its transportation unit to assist in conveying the supplies to the airport over a three-day period starting February 13 to facilitate shipment by Turkish Airlines to Türkiye in the shortest time possible.
- Arranging for an EVA Airways charter flight to ship donations of relief supplies to Türkiye
On February 7, the government arranged for a direct charter flight to transport 90 members of Taiwan’s international search and rescue team to Türkiye to join a 40-member advance crew in conducting relief efforts. Arrangements were made for another EVA Airways charter flight to Istanbul on February 13 to bring home the entire 130-member team, five dogs, and equipment. The Taiwan Foundation for Disaster Relief coordinated with local nongovernmental organizations to gather about 20 tons of material supplies for shipment on the outbound flight to Türkiye. The shipment will be delivered to the Ankara Governorship Social Assistance and Solidary Foundation, which has been designated by the Turkish government to accept overseas earthquake relief supplies, and will be sent to disaster areas as coordinated by Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority.
- Ensuring the safe withdrawal of Taiwan’s international search and rescue team from disaster areas
With the conclusion of emergency rescue efforts, arrangements were made for Taiwan’s rescue team to withdraw from Adiyaman Province on February 12, following discussions by the team with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Mission in Ankara (TECM) and related Turkish government agencies. Team members flew to Istanbul that same evening and are scheduled to fly home on an EVA Airways charter flight on the evening of February 14, arriving the following day. Taiwan’s international search and rescue team will sign an MOU with the AKUT Search and Rescue Association in Istanbul. It will donate some of the rescue equipment it had shipped to Türkiye to AKUT for future relief operations. Arrangements for Taiwan’s rescue mission, including its withdrawal from affected areas, flight from Adiyaman, and meals and lodging in Istanbul, were made with full assistance from MOFA.
- All sectors of Türkiye expressing gratitude for Taiwan’s charitable donations and relief efforts
The government and people of Türkiye have expressed gratitude for the immediate support and continuous assistance from the government and civil society of Taiwan in the wake of the powerful earthquake in Türkiye. They include numerous government officials and parliamentary members; former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu; Governor Mahmut Çuhadar of Adiyaman Province, where the Taiwanese team conducted rescue efforts; Mayor Mehmet Hacioğlu of Reyhanli, who oversees the operation of the Taiwan-Reyhanli Centre for World Citizens; NGO leaders; and Turkish citizens. Many conveyed their sincere appreciation through the TECM and media. The Anadolu Agency, Türkiye’s state-run news service, and prominent local media referred to Taiwan by its name and placed the national flag of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) alongside that of 67 other countries. They issued frequent news reports on efforts by Taiwan’s rescue mission, expressing recognition of and appreciation for its assistance. Taiwan’s compassion and friendship have deepened the bonds between the people of the two countries.
MOFA will continue to closely engage with the TTO and related Turkish government agencies regarding recovery needs in Türkiye’s affected areas and the employment of monetary donations by the people and government of Taiwan. Updates will be provided to the public at appropriate times. (E)