Representative to the US Shen Lyu-shun (沈呂巡) on Tuesday made a US$125,000 donation to the nonprofit Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) on behalf of the Taiwanese government to help in its fight against the Ebola virus.
Shen and foundation executive director John Sanbrailo signed a document authorizing the purchase of 100 sets of protective gear for medical use.
Shen said that during and after a SARS outbreak in Taiwan more than a decade ago, the US and Taiwan’s diplomatic allies covered by the PADF helped the nation gain access to the WHO for SARS information — and eventually helped Taiwan gain observer status in the WHO.
“Today, Taiwan would like to reciprocate, while doing its part as a responsible member of the international community, even without WHO membership,” Shen said.
In a rare move, the US Department of State sent several high-ranking officials to the event.
“US-Taiwan relations have never been stronger,” US Department of State Ebola Coordination Unit deputy special coordinator Andrew Weber said at the event.
The relationship is grounded in history, respect for democracy and human rights, respect for international rules and norms, a growing economic partnership and enduring security cooperation, he said.
Over the past several months, close cooperation on issues such as providing anti-Ebola assistance and responding to humanitarian crises have helped reinforce the partnership, he added.
Christian Castro, director of the department’s Office of Taiwan Coordination, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, commended Taiwan’s generosity and excellent capabilities.
The partnership between Taiwan and the foundation is special, he added, as it shows Taiwan’s determination to engage positively with the international community.
Castro also announced that he is to visit Taiwan next week.
The visit will be on a “short journey” that will feature “no politics,” he said.
American Institute in Taiwan Managing Director Joseph Donovan and representatives of Taiwan’s allies in the PADF such as Haiti, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Guatemala and Belize, also attended the signing ceremony.
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