On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Andrew H.C. Lee, Representative of the Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia signs a donation agreement of US$ 1 million with Chairperson Ruta Dimanta of Latvian charity organization Ziedot.lv on April 29, to help the displaced Ukrainians sheltered in Latvia.
In his remarks Representative Lee says he is extremely proud of the generosity that Taiwanese people has shown towards Ukrainians and delighted to work with Ziedot.lv to make this donation on behalf of the people and government of Taiwan. He stresses that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community and democratic camp, is more than willing to work with international partners to join such a meaningful and righteous cause of helping displaced Ukrainians in a timely manner. Chairperson Dimanta thanks Taiwan for providing a very generous donation of US$ 1 million for Ukrainians sheltered in the country at this difficult time, and thanks Taipei Mission for the trust and support it has bestowed on Ziedot. She says this donation is a very important and timely support that will allow Ziedot.lv to provide individualized assistance to Ukrainian refugees.
Since the Russian invasion, more than 5.2 million Ukrainians have been forced to flee Ukraine to neighboring countries such as Latvia, Estonia, Lithuanian, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and various other European countries. Latvia alone has admitted at least 30 thousand of them. Latvian government has been working alongside with various charity organizations and civil groups, such as Ziedot, to provide humanitarian assistance to the displaced Ukrainians in Latvia. We have seen tremendous solidarity and hospitality from the Latvian government, private sector, and even individual household receiving Ukrainians.
To echo the humanitarian good deeds of democratic camp and safeguard universal values of freedom, democracy, sovereignty, and rule of law, the government of Taiwan launched a fundraising campaign entitled “Ukraine Relief Fund” on March 2, intended to support European countries that have sheltered displaced Ukrainians. The donation drive received overwhelming response from across the country. Within just a month, US$ 32.69 million relief fund has been donated by the general public in Taiwan, demonstrating our utmost respect and support of the great people of Ukraine. The government has allocated the first batch of US$15 million relief fund to Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic in March, followed by additional donations of US$ 1 million each to Latvia, Estonia, Lithuanian, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Furthermore, on April 22, Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu announced another disbursement of US$ 8 million donation from the Fund to Ukraine during a videoconference with Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
In addition to the above-mentioned donations, Taiwan government has also proactively joined the international sanctions against Russia and offered humanitarian aids to Ukraine. These include banning the export of semiconductors to Russia, offering scholarships to Ukrainian scholars and students, and supplying 650 metric tons of regular and medical supplies to those remaining in Ukraine. What we have been doing jointly with the international community fully indicates that Taiwan stands firm in its defense of the universal values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law, as a responsible member and valuable partner of the international community.
Ziedot.lv is a renowned social welfare institution established in 2003 aiming to assist disadvantaged groups domestic and abroad. Since its inception, Ziedot has served numerous people in need, won the admiration and trust of Latvian society, and enjoyed a great international reputation. Its recent works on helping Ukraine in collaborating with Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense have so far made more than € 9 million donation. Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia is proud and delighted to work with Ziedot for this just and righteous cause. We believe that through Ziedot’s experienced, professional management, and well-established networks, the love from Taiwan will be reaching the most needed Ukrainians in the most efficient and responsible fashion.
