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 Ms. Anu Viltrop, Head of Support Services of Estonian Refugee Council (ERC) on May 17, to help shelter the displaced Ukrainians in Estonia. Besides ERC staff, Taipei Mission in Latvia also invites Hon. Juri Jaanson, Chairman of Estonia-Taiwan Friendship Group of Riigikogu (Estonian parliament), Mr. Sander Andla, member of Tallinn City council, to participate and witness the signing of the agreement.

In his remarks, Representative Lee says he stands proud of the generosity and humanitarian spirit Taiwanese people has shown in support of Ukraine, also is proud to cooperate with the Estonian charity organization ERC to help the displaced Ukrainians. Taiwan, as a responsible and constructive member of the international community and democratic camp, has proactively joined the international effort to help displaced Ukrainians. Ms. Viltrop, Head of the Support Services of ERC, thanks Taiwan for the timely and generous donation, as well as the support and trust bestowed on ERC. ERC promises to make good use of the donation to provide all the necessary needs to the displaced Ukrainians.

Since the Russian invasion in February 24, more than 7.7 million Ukrainians have been forced to flee from homeland to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and other neighboring countries, and to date, there are at least more than 30,000 Ukrainians have fled into Estonia. Estonian government and ERC have welcomed and provided needed help to them, we have seen Estonian government, civil charity groups, private sectors, even individual household receiving Ukrainians.

In order to join the collective effort to support Ukraine and its people, and to safeguard the universal values of freedom, democracy and sovereignty, Taiwan government launched a fundraising campaign titled “Ukraine Relief Fund” on March 2, has received tremendous response from Taiwanese society. Within one month, the donation reached over US$32.69 million. Taiwan government allocated US$ 15 million to Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Lithuania in March, followed by the second batch of donation of US$ 5 million to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Czech Republic, with US$ 1 million for each. Furthermore, Taiwan Foreign Minister, Dr. Joseph Wu, announced another US$ 8 million to help Ukraine after a videoconference with the mayor of Kiev, capital city of Ukraine. In late April, Taiwan donated humanitarian aid worth €500,000 through European Bank for Reconstruction and Development(EBRD) will be delivered to Ukrainians in need, and US$ 500,000 in supporting of Reporters Without Borders to establish an Ukraine-based “Press Freedom Centre”.

On top of donations in the form of cash, Taiwan also joined the international sanctions against Russia and provided humanitarian aids to Ukraine, including 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.

ERC is a renowned Estonian private charity organization aiming to help domestic and abroad refugees, and has achieved reliable trust in Estonia society, as well as remarkable international reputation. ERC has cooperated with Estonian central and local government, and other private organizations to help Ukraine. Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia is proud and delighted to work with ERC for this just cause, we believe through ERC’s experience, networks, professional management and high-efficiency, the love from Taiwan will be reaching the most needed displaced Ukrainians in the most efficient and responsible fashion. (E)

Representative Andrew Lee of Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia and Ms. Anu Viltrop of ERC (left) sign the donation agreement

Representative Andrew Lee and Ms. Anu Viltrop of ERC (left) pose for photo after signing the agreement

Group photo 1 of the donation ceremony

Group photo 2 of the donation ceremony