H.E. Ambassador Daniel D.W. Tang of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Hon. Minister of Works, Infrastructure and Utilities Tony Muller of the Republic of the Marshall Islands joined for the handover ceremony of 60 tons of rice donated by the government of the Republic of China(Taiwan) on Tuesday, September 6, 2017, at Majuro Stevedore and Terminal Company Compound. Secretary Bruce Kijiner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Director Timmy Langrine of the National Disaster Management Office and their staff were invited to witness the handover ceremony.
At the handover ceremony, Ambassador Tang elaborated that, to help fight the severe drought conditions of the islands, the Government of the Republic of China(Taiwan) donated 100 tons of rice last year. With the ongoing drought conditions of the northern atolls, the Government of the ROC(Taiwan) had decided to donate another 60 tons of rice plus $18,000 USD, including $8,000 USD for transportation and $10,000 USD of funding for drought relief this year. The donation shows a strong bond of friendship between the two countries and the continuous support from the government of the ROC(Taiwan). Lastly, Ambassador Tang also took the chance to express the appreciation for the Government of the Republic of Marshall Islands and its support for the participation of the ROC(Taiwan) in the international arena through the years.
Minister Muller, on behalf of the Government and the people of the Marshall Islands and H.E. President Hilda C. Heine, thanked the government and the people of the ROC(Taiwan) for the friendship and continuous support. Minister Muller also reiterated that Taiwan is one of the most important allies to the country and the bilateral relations between the two countries shall be further strengthened. The people of the Marshall Islands once again will benefit from the donation which will effectively help relieve the drought conditions of the outer islands.
H.E. Ambassador Daniel D.W. Tang, Hon. Minister Tony Muller, Informatiion Management Officer of the National Disaster Management Officer Yetta Aliven and Rev. Junior Kabua at the rice donation handover ceremony.
