March 15, 2022
No. 058
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to an exodus of refugees to neighboring countries. Data from the United Nations Refugee Agency shows that 2.8 million Ukrainians have fled the nation so far. On behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu this afternoon announced a second donation to provide timely support for Ukrainian refugees. A total of US$11.5 million (about NT$322 million) will be donated to support refugee assistance efforts in five nations, including US$6.5 million for Poland; US$1.5 million each for Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic; and US$500,000 for Lithuania. Combined with the first disbursement on March 7 of approximately US$3.5 million (NT$100 million) to help Ukrainian refugees in Poland, this will raise the total amount of Taiwan’s aid toward humanitarian efforts in Poland to US$10 million (about NT$280 million).
Taiwan’s representative offices will present the funds to the governments of the respective host countries, which will then designate or recommend private relief organizations to offer speedy assistance to the Ukrainian refugees.
The donation ceremony was witnessed by Head of the European Economic and Trade Office (EETO) Filip Grzegorzewski; Director of the Polish Office in Taipei Cyryl Kozaczewski; Representative of the Slovak Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei Martin Podstavek; Representative of the Czech Economic and Cultural Office Patrick Rumlar; Non-Resident Researcher at the Taiwan Nextgen Foundation Dr. Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy, who is a Hungarian national; and a representative of the Lithuanian community in Taiwan, Ms. Aušra Andriuškaitė.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Minister Wu also stated that Taiwan stands in solidarity with the European Union and its member nations in strongly condemning Russia’s growing military aggression against Ukraine, which has caused numerous civilian casualties. During this conflict, the Taiwanese people have shown boundless compassion. The government has efficiently leveraged the resources of civil society to provide proactive support for Ukrainian refugees. This demonstration of compassion from the Taiwanese people aims to bring the Ukrainian refugees hope and strength to rebuild.
Also speaking at the event, EETO Head Grzegorzewski recognized the goodwill and generous assistance of the government and people of Taiwan, noting that such admirable and touching display of friendship is beyond description. He said that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has created a serious humanitarian crisis, as millions of Ukrainians have been forced to seek refuge in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, and other EU countries, adding that the EU will do its utmost to care for and shelter them. He emphasized that the humanitarian concern shown by the government and people of Taiwan through concrete action at this time of crisis has once again highlighted the fact that Taiwan is a staunch partner of Europe for freedom and democracy.
Director Kozaczewski and Representative Rumlar thanked the government and people of Taiwan for their kindness toward and solidarity with the Ukrainian refugees. Representative Podstavek expressed regret at the overnight destruction of the stability and order that Europe had built over several decades, as well as appreciation for Taiwan’s timely assistance, which he would always remember. Dr. Ferenczy, who had previously lived in the now war-torn country, was deeply moved by Taiwan’s assistance and said that Taiwan’s act of compassion has brought it into the international spotlight. Ms. Andriuškaitė observed that Lithuania was very sympathetic and well understood the tragic situation that authoritarian Russia has created for Ukrainian refugees. She also thanked Taiwan for supporting Lithuania’s efforts to help them.
On behalf of the government of Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) again thanks the public for the overwhelming monetary and in-kind donations, expressing the highest respect for this admirable display of compassion by the Taiwanese people. In addition, MOFA is planning to donate medical supplies and essential goods to Slovakia in the near future. (E)