On behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Ambassador Andrew H.C. Lee, Representative of the Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia, signed an agreement committing US$ 1.2 million to finance the construction of "Family-type group house in Ukraine" with the CEO Klen Jäärats of the Estonian Centre for International Development(ESTDEV) on June 19, 2024 at the Riigikogu, the Estonian parliament.
The signing was witnessed by Chair Kristo Enn Vaga of the Estonia-Taiwan Support Group, Chair Marko Mihkelson of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and several members of the parliament, and government officials. Mr. Volodymyr Palamar, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Ukrainian Organizations in Estonia was also present and expressed his appreciation for what Taiwan has done to the Ukrainian people. This event marks an official launch of the Taiwan-Estonia joint endeavor to support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, as part of international efforts to rebuild a democratic and prosperous Ukraine.
In his remarks, Ambassador Lee stated that since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the Taiwanese government and civil society organizations have provided more than US$120 million dollars in financial support, along with 800 metric tons of humanitarian suppliers and medical items. Taiwan also worked with the government of Poland, Lithuania, Czech and Slovakia and international organization such as EBRD to rebuild and restore Ukraine. In 2022, Taiwan donated US$ 1 million to the Estonian Refugee Council (ERC) to assist displaced Ukrainians fleeing to Estonia, paving the way for future cooperation projects in Ukraine’s reconstruction between the two countries.
The "Family-type house in Ukraine" is the second joint project specifically designed for the war orphans in Ukraine. The project, involving Ukrainian first lady initiated Olena Zelenska Foundation(OZF) as partner, will build a family-style house with shelter facilities in Zhytomyr region, to help foster families raising children orphaned by the war return to normal life. As an proactive participant and promoter in international humanitarian assistance, Taiwan is fully committed to working with Estonia and other like-minded countries, to help Ukraine in reconstruction and recovery, and safeguard its free society and democratic system.
CEO Jaarat said that “We are grateful to the Taipei Mission in Latvia for trusting ESTDEV and presenting this proposal to finance the construction of one group home. We are ready to share our successful experience in delivering reconstruction projects in war-torn Ukraine with international donors and partners. By including Estonian world-class know-how in our joint projects, we provide Ukraine with much-needed support as they rebuild their country.”
Chairman Vaga said that “Ukraine needs all the help it can get, and I am glad that we have a new cooperation between Estonia and Taiwan to rebuild Ukraine. Together, we are standing for democracy and showing authoritarian regimes that like-minded allies will stick together and prevail.” He continued to indicate that Estonia is very pleased to bring two democratic partners - Taiwan and Ukraine - closer through this project.
The project was initiated by OZF, aiming at build family-style homes for Ukrainian foster families and children who lost their homes in the war. According to OZF, there are more than 1,300 group homes in Ukraine housing five to ten orphans each. Because of the war, at least 80 of these homes have been destroyed. Although foster families have moved to safer areas of Ukraine, they are living without permanent residence. The need for new housing for 40 foster families is particularly critical.(E)
Amb. Andrew H.C. Lee and Klen Jäärats, CEO of ESTDEV signed the agreement, witnessed by Chair Kristo Enn Vaga of the Estonia-Taiwan Support Group of the Riigikogu
Amb. Andrew H.C. Lee and Klen Jäärats, CEO of ESTDEV
Group photo after the signing ceremony
Amb. Andrew H.C. Lee, Chair Marko Mihkelson(center), and Klen Jäärats, CEO of ESTDEV
