The Republic of China (ROC) is willing to share with its neighboring countries its experience and expertise in disaster prevention and rescue and join hands in combating climatic change, President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) said yesterday.
Ma made the remarks as he commended 20 local NGOs on their assistance in the relief operation offered to the Philippines after 6,000 people were killed and 900,000 families affected by Typhoon Haiyan last month.
Over the years, The government has worked with the US Pacific Command and the US State of Hawaii in various projects related to training for disaster prevention and rescue, Ma said.
Ma said the disaster prevention and rescue center in Nantou County could become a training center for Southeast Asian countries.
Ma said that since he came to office, the ROC ofter has been the first nation to send its rescue team to countries in need of help, including China, New Zealand, Haiti and Japan.
“I have always hoped that the ROC could serve as humanitarian aid provider and peace maker in the international community,” Ma said.
Addressing the reception, Deputy Representative to Taiwan Carlo Aquino expressed his deepest appreciation and gratitude to the government and people of Taiwan on behalf of the Philippines.
The speedy delivery of relief supplies offered by Taiwan to the Philippines showed the nation’s generosity and good nature, Aquino said.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan dispatched 680 tonnes of relief supplies to the Philippines, worth US$12 million, via 18 helicopter flights and navy vessels.
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