Japan’s donation of an additional 1.13 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Taiwan is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs July 6.
Announced by Japan Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi during a news conference in late June, the shipment is scheduled to arrive in Taiwan July 8.
The gesture illustrates the rock-solid friendship between the two countries, the MOFA said, adding that the show of solidarity will be forever remembered by the public. It follows the donation of 1.24 million doses of the vaccine delivered to Taiwan June 4, the ministry said.
According to a statement from the MOFA, Taiwan and Japan have long held the practice of lending the other a helping hand in times of need. In addition to a resolution backing Taiwan's inclusion in the World Health Assembly passed by the Japan Senate June 11, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga expressed his support for Taiwan’s bid to participate in the decision-making body of the World Health Organization during the Group of Seven summit June 11 to 13, the ministry said.
The MOFA also took the opportunity to extend its condolences over the landslides that occurred in Shizuoka prefecture July 3 after heavy rains.
Taiwan and Japan share the universal values of freedom and democracy, the MOFA said. The government is committed to further deepening the two countries’ long-standing partnership to overcome challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic and ensure global health security, the ministry added. (DL-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw