Taiwan will continue to strengthen its partnership with Ukraine, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Thursday, a day after the country pledged an additional US$56 million in funding for the East European nation invaded by Russia.
Tsai made her remarks at a meeting with visiting Ukrainian parliamentarian Kira Rudik, former Ukrainian lawmaker Hanna Hopko, and Žygimantas Pavilionis, deputy chair of the Committee on European Affairs in the Lithuanian parliament, according to a press statement issued by the Presidential Office.
According to the statement, Tsai said Taiwan will continue to strengthen its “democratic partnership” with Ukraine and foster more bilateral exchanges.
Tsai expressed hope that the Ukrainian people will soon be able to rebuild their homes, adding that Taiwan’s government is preparing to work with like-minded partners in Central and Eastern Europe to assist the country do so.
Her comments came a day after Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) announced that Taiwan was planning to provide an additional US$56 million to support Ukraine.
However, the funding requires legislative approval.
Taiwan’s government earlier this year raised nearly US$33 million for Ukraine from private citizens through the Relieve Disaster Foundation.
Taiwan remains Ukraine’s strong partner, Tsai said, adding that the people of Taiwan know what it feels like to face the threat of authoritarian expansion, alluding to China’s increasing military and economic pressure on the island.
At the same time, Taiwan looks forward to bolstering its links with other democratic countries, including Lithuania, as part of joint efforts to oppose authoritarianism, the president added.
Meanwhile, Rudik, who arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday, expressed gratitude to Taiwan for extending a helping hand to Ukraine shortly after Russia launched its invasion at the end of February, according to the statement.
Rudik noted that Taiwan, without showing any sign of hesitation, had quickly provided tangible support for Ukraine and announced sanctions on Russia.
Taiwan’s assistance has meant a great deal to Ukraine, Rudik said, adding that there has been a marked increase in respect and support for Taiwan in Ukraine and other democratic nations in Europe.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel