A fourth donation totaling 60,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan by Japan is deeply appreciated by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sept. 3.
Announced by Japan Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi earlier the same day, the shipment of AstraZeneca vaccines is scheduled to arrive in Taiwan by Sept. 10. It follows donations of 1.24 million, 1.13 million and 0.97 million doses delivered June 4, July 8 and July 15, respectively.
According to the MOFA, the timely deliveries are further proof of the long-standing friendship between Taiwan and Japan. This generous assistance takes on greater significance at a time when Japan is dealing with its own outbreak of COVID-19, the ministry added.
Both sides share the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights and the rule of law, the MOFA said, adding that the government is committed to working with Japan to facilitate the return of regular people-to-people exchanges as soon as possible post-pandemic.
The MOFA also took the opportunity to express appreciation for Japan’s resolution backing Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Assembly passed by the House of Councillors June 11, as well as Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s 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.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said: “#Japan’s total donation of 3.4M #COVID19 vaccine doses is truly appreciated by the government & people of #Taiwan. Despite pressing pandemic challenges at home, our #RealFriend keeps caring & sharing. We thank @MofaJapan_jp’s @moteging for announcing the 4th timely shipment.” (YCH-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw