The latest donation of 20,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses from Lithuania touched down July 31 in Taiwan, spotlighting the strength of the warm friendship between the two sides, according to the Presidential Office.
 
The prompt delivery of AstraZeneca vaccines by the EU member state, which were scheduled to be shipped in late September, is deeply appreciated by the government and people, the PO said. Such timely support demonstrates the strong commitment of the democratic partners to mutual assistance in periods of difficulty, the PO added.
 
Following Taiwan’s donation of 100,000 surgical masks to front-line medical workers in the Baltic country last year, the donation serves as evidence of how positive contributions to the international community generate a virtuous cycle, according to the PO. Ongoing preparations to establish The Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania are expected to further strengthen relations between the two countries and help expand Taiwan’s exchanges with Central and Eastern Europe, the PO added.
 
Taiwan and Lithuania share the fundamental values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights, the PO said, adding that the government will continue forging a cooperative partnership with the EU member state on issues across the board while working with like-minded partners around the world to combat COVID-19.
 
The PO also took the opportunity to thank Lithuania for voicing its support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, including the World Health Organization.
 
In a tweet on Ministry of Foreign Affair’s official Twitter account, Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu said: “We’re oceans apart, but couldn’t be closer at heart. I’m moved to see #Lithuania’s donation of #COVID19 vaccine doses touching down in #Taiwan. My gratitude to our country’s new friend for sharing the commitment to #LeaveNoOneBehind. JW” (YCH-E)
 
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