Vice President of the Legislative Yuan Johnny C. Chiang meets delegation of Ukrainian Parliamentarians
On the afternoon of October 4, Vice President of the Legislative Yuan, Johnny C. Chiang, met with a two-member delegation of Ukrainian parliamentarians. Vice President Chiang was accompanied by Legislator Ngalim Tiunn of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), International Affairs Department Director Kevin C.F. Lin, Secretary-General Daniel Diann-Wen Tang of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy Director-General Lin Chu-En of the Department of European Affairs.
Vice President Chiang first extended a heartfelt welcome on behalf of the Legislative Yuan to the Ukrainian parliamentary delegation and expressed special regards to the visitors. He acknowledged the ongoing turmoil in Ukraine due to the Russian invasion, which has yet to cease, and commended the delegation for their bravery in undertaking the journey to Taiwan despite the many risks and challenges they faced. Taiwan, a nation that shares Ukraine’s deep commitment to democracy and freedom, greatly admires the Ukrainian people’s unwavering determination to defend their homeland and protect their freedom throughout the conflict. Taiwan and Ukraine share similar circumstances, which is why we closely follow the developments of the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukraine has been resisting Russia’s invasion for over two and a half years, and it is foreseeable that both Taiwan and Ukraine will continue to face numerous challenges and threats from authoritarian powers. For nations that belong to the democratic camp, mutual support is the best form of assistance we can provide each other.
Vice President Chiang further stated that Taiwan has not only donated medical supplies and essential goods to Ukraine but has also signed six memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Ukrainian partners. These efforts aim to provide assistance to civilians affected by the war while supporting the Ukrainian government in rebuilding critical infrastructure damaged by the war. In addition, Taiwan is actively assisting domestic companies in participating in Ukraine's rebuilding efforts. In April of this year, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) invited a delegation of seven companies from four major industries in Ukraine to visit Taiwan. This visit included a "Ukraine Rebuilding Cooperation Briefing and Discussion Forum," which marked the beginning of bilateral exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and Ukraine. This initiative aims to enhance the Taiwanese business community's understanding of Ukraine's rebuilding plans and strengthen economic and trade interactions between the two countries. Since the establishment of a special account to raise funds for Ukraine in March 2022, Taiwan raised US$32 million in just one month to assist Ukrainian cities, hospitals, and non-governmental organizations in humanitarian aid efforts. All sectors of Taiwan have consistently supported Ukraine through tangible actions, hoping for the swift arrival of peace in Ukraine.
In his speech, Head of the Delegation Mykola Kniazhytskyi stated that Ukraine remains in a severe predicament, engulfed in ongoing conflict. Although many Ukrainian soldiers have sacrificed their precious lives, the Ukrainian people will continue to stand firm and resist Russia's full-scale invasion in their fight to defend their homeland. He added that this visit to Taiwan was not only to express gratitude for Taiwan's humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and its efforts to shelter Ukrainian children from the ravages of war, but also to raise awareness among more international friends about Ukraine's situation. He believed that if the Ukrainian people had not united to resist Russia's fierce attacks, Ukraine would have already been annexed by Russia and unable to endure to this day. Additionally, he hoped that the parliaments of other democratic countries will approve the budgets allocated by the executive branches of their governments to support Ukraine and sincerely urged European and American allies to provide more weaponry to assist Ukraine in its fight.
Legislator Ngalim Tiunn stated that the courage demonstrated by the Ukrainian government and people in resisting the invasion by Russia is truly admirable. The lessons learned from the Russia-Ukraine war have also made the people of Taiwan realize the importance of strengthening national defense. Similar to the Ukrainian people, the people of Taiwan cherish democracy and believe that democracy will ultimately prevail. He also wished for Ukraine to regain peace as soon as possible.
The two sides then engaged in a broad exchange of views on various issues, including the developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, the Crimea dispute, assistance to Ukraine from European and North American democratic countries, and nuclear weapons. The atmosphere was friendly, and the meeting lasted approximately 50 minutes. Lastly, both sides exchanged souvenirs and took commemorative photos, marking the conclusion of today's meeting.
Vice President Chiang first extended a heartfelt welcome on behalf of the Legislative Yuan to the Ukrainian parliamentary delegation and expressed special regards to the visitors. He acknowledged the ongoing turmoil in Ukraine due to the Russian invasion, which has yet to cease, and commended the delegation for their bravery in undertaking the journey to Taiwan despite the many risks and challenges they faced. Taiwan, a nation that shares Ukraine’s deep commitment to democracy and freedom, greatly admires the Ukrainian people’s unwavering determination to defend their homeland and protect their freedom throughout the conflict. Taiwan and Ukraine share similar circumstances, which is why we closely follow the developments of the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukraine has been resisting Russia’s invasion for over two and a half years, and it is foreseeable that both Taiwan and Ukraine will continue to face numerous challenges and threats from authoritarian powers. For nations that belong to the democratic camp, mutual support is the best form of assistance we can provide each other.
Vice President Chiang further stated that Taiwan has not only donated medical supplies and essential goods to Ukraine but has also signed six memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Ukrainian partners. These efforts aim to provide assistance to civilians affected by the war while supporting the Ukrainian government in rebuilding critical infrastructure damaged by the war. In addition, Taiwan is actively assisting domestic companies in participating in Ukraine's rebuilding efforts. In April of this year, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) invited a delegation of seven companies from four major industries in Ukraine to visit Taiwan. This visit included a "Ukraine Rebuilding Cooperation Briefing and Discussion Forum," which marked the beginning of bilateral exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and Ukraine. This initiative aims to enhance the Taiwanese business community's understanding of Ukraine's rebuilding plans and strengthen economic and trade interactions between the two countries. Since the establishment of a special account to raise funds for Ukraine in March 2022, Taiwan raised US$32 million in just one month to assist Ukrainian cities, hospitals, and non-governmental organizations in humanitarian aid efforts. All sectors of Taiwan have consistently supported Ukraine through tangible actions, hoping for the swift arrival of peace in Ukraine.
In his speech, Head of the Delegation Mykola Kniazhytskyi stated that Ukraine remains in a severe predicament, engulfed in ongoing conflict. Although many Ukrainian soldiers have sacrificed their precious lives, the Ukrainian people will continue to stand firm and resist Russia's full-scale invasion in their fight to defend their homeland. He added that this visit to Taiwan was not only to express gratitude for Taiwan's humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and its efforts to shelter Ukrainian children from the ravages of war, but also to raise awareness among more international friends about Ukraine's situation. He believed that if the Ukrainian people had not united to resist Russia's fierce attacks, Ukraine would have already been annexed by Russia and unable to endure to this day. Additionally, he hoped that the parliaments of other democratic countries will approve the budgets allocated by the executive branches of their governments to support Ukraine and sincerely urged European and American allies to provide more weaponry to assist Ukraine in its fight.
Legislator Ngalim Tiunn stated that the courage demonstrated by the Ukrainian government and people in resisting the invasion by Russia is truly admirable. The lessons learned from the Russia-Ukraine war have also made the people of Taiwan realize the importance of strengthening national defense. Similar to the Ukrainian people, the people of Taiwan cherish democracy and believe that democracy will ultimately prevail. He also wished for Ukraine to regain peace as soon as possible.
The two sides then engaged in a broad exchange of views on various issues, including the developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, the Crimea dispute, assistance to Ukraine from European and North American democratic countries, and nuclear weapons. The atmosphere was friendly, and the meeting lasted approximately 50 minutes. Lastly, both sides exchanged souvenirs and took commemorative photos, marking the conclusion of today's meeting.