Taiwan, US ink MOU on international development, humanitarian assistance

2022/11/09

Taiwan and the U.S. concluded a memorandum of understanding on international development and humanitarian assistance cooperation, spotlighting the government’s commitment to further cementing the two sides’ partnership, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nov. 7.
 
Signed by Hsiao Bi-khim, head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S., and Ingrid Larson, managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan, Nov. 3 in Washington, the MOU names Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as their designated agents.
 
Under the pact, the two institutions will expand collaboration in relevant research, capacity building, training and knowledge transfer. The two sides will share best practices and hold information exchanges, global activity initiatives and joint studies.
 
According to the MOFA, two additional agreements were signed by TECRO and AIT later the same day. One boosts coordination with Paraguay’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce to strengthen micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises and promote development in Paraguay, while the other is aimed at enhancing climate and disaster resilience in the Pacific region, the ministry added.
 
Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu said during the announcement event Nov. 7 that Taiwan and the U.S. are deepening partnership based on shared values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights and the rule of law. The two countries have set up regular cooperation, as demonstrated by Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue, Taiwan-U.S. Education Initiative and the establishment of the Coast Guard Working Group, he added.
 
The MOU will help take the two sides’ humanitarian assistance to a higher level while promoting development and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and Latin America, he said.
 
Following his remarks, AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk said Taiwan is a trusted friend and partner, adding that the U.S. will continue engaging with Taiwan and other like-minded partners to address shared global challenges.


Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)