Taiwan, Slovak charities partner to support Ukraine’s recovery

2023/08/04

Taiwan has signed a cooperation agreement with Slovakian charities Open Society Foundation and Pontis Foundation to assist with reconstruction in Ukraine, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aug. 1.
 
The signing ceremony, which took place at the Slovak prime minister’s office, included Lee Nan-yang, head of the Taipei Representative Office in Bratislava, and representatives of the Bratislava-based charitable foundations. The event was witnessed by Elena Kohutikova, chair of the prime minister’s council of advisors.
 
Under the agreement, Taiwan will donate US$5 million to help charities carry out reconstruction projects in Ukraine. The pact established an executive committee and the signatories have decided to first focus their efforts on rebuilding medical and education facilities in northern Ukraine’s Chernihiv, a city severely damaged during Russia’s invasion.
 
During his remarks, Lee called Slovakia a like-minded partner, expressing appreciation to its government for collaborating with Taiwan to help Ukrainians and jointly counter authoritarian expansion worldwide.
 
In response, Kohutikova said the accord establishes a pioneering model for cooperative aid. She added that Taiwan is the first nation to work with Slovakia to help Ukraine this year.
 
According to the MOFA, Taiwan and Slovakia have worked closely since the Russia-Ukraine war began last year, as evidenced by the two countries’ joint donation of US$2.1 million in aid, as well as their deliveries of over 350 tons of supplies to the East European country. The government is committed to participating in the committee’s recovery works and will introduce suitable Taiwan businesses to take part in due course, the ministry said.


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