Wu gets humanitarian service award in Rome

The Rome-based international association Carita Politica presented a humanitarian service award to first lady Wu Shu-chen (吳淑珍) Monday night in recognition of her contributions to promoting welfare benefits for the disadvantaged.

In her acceptance speech, Wu said she felt honored to become the first recipient of the Carita Politica's humanitarian service award.

"I treasure this honor," an emotional Wu said, adding that she appreciated Carita Politica president Alfredo Luciani's presenting the trophy to her in person.

Noting that war and confrontation pose threats to world peace, democracy, freedom and justice, Wu said the global village needs more love and care.

Despite Taiwan's small size and limited natural resources, Wu said, it has never hesitated to extend a helping hand to needy countries.

It has offered generous aid to war-torn Afghanistan and Iraq as well as many other impoverished countries over the past decades, she said.