On behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Representative Matthew W. Chou of the Taipei Liaison Office in the RSA handed 100,000 surgical masks to the government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia at the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Pretoria on 18 June 2020.
There are more than 8 million confirmed cases of the coronavirus reported worldwide so far, and nearly 440,000 people died from the illness. But Taiwan has managed to keep the coronavirus at bay, with only 445 cases and 7 deaths so far. Taiwan has reported no new locally transmitted cases in 8 consecutive weeks.
Taiwan has never implemented any large-scale lockdowns or stay-home order since the beginning of the outbreak. Businesses and all kinds of economic activities continue normal operations.
Taiwan’s National Health Insurance ensures everyone to receive medical care and testing when needed, Taiwan also took early and proactive response toward the pandemic, for those reasons, Taiwan has achieved significant success on containing the coronavirus pandemic. Taiwan can help and Taiwan is helping. Meanwhile, Taiwan has actively launched international epidemic prevention cooperation and humanitarian assistance since the outbreak. The donation of the surgical masks is just the first step for Taiwan to join Ethiopia’s efforts to fight against coronavirus pandemic together in Africa. Amb. Dr. Shiferaw Teklemariam expressed his appreciation on behalf of the government of Ethiopia, wishing Ethiopia and Taiwan can enhance the cooperation on the fields of health, economy and investment, increasing the bilateral relations pragmatically in the future.
Lastly, Representative Chou wishes to enhance the bilateral relations and connection between Taiwan and Ethiopia, providing and increasing the welfare and benefits for both side.
