The Presidential Office yesterday thanked political leaders from Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and like-minded countries that sent condolences after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake shook the nation on Wednesday.
Presidential Office spokesperson Olivia Lin (林聿禪) thanked political leaders from 88 countries in statements issued on Wednesday night and yesterday.
She expressed gratitude for the concern and condolences offered by Paraguayan President Santiago Pena, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo, Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr, Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew, Belizean Prime Minister John Briceno, Tuvaluan Prime Minister Feleti Teo and Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip Pierre.
Photo: Tyrone Siu, Reuters
She also thanked Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Council President Charles Michel, political leaders in the US and the UK, as well as the Dalai Lama.
Many governments and political figures around the globe also voiced their condolences to the families of the people who died and expressed support for Taiwan.
“Canada stands ready to provide support and has reached out to Taiwanese officials. We’re also engaging to make sure affected Canadians have the support they need,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a news conference on Wednesday.
Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly, Canadian Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen and Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet posted messages on X.
The EU and the UK expressed readiness to provide assistance, Michel and British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Cameron wrote separately on X.
The French Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs in a statement offered condolences to the bereaved families and pledged support for the people of Taiwan during their ordeal.
Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis in a post on the ministry’s official X account offered “sincere condolences” to those affected by the earthquake, adding: “We wish for the swift recovery of the injured and stand ready to offer assistance in the disaster response efforts.”
Lithuanian Parliament Speaker Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen offered prayers to “the brave people of Taiwan and our allies in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong (黃英賢) expressed condolences on behalf of Australians, adding that the country is working with Taipei and Tokyo to check if any Australians were affected.
New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters said: “Our thoughts are with the people of Taiwan ... especially all those directly affected and with loved ones missing.”
The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed sympathy for those affected in a statement.
Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara said: “Thai people join me in wishing that the rehabilitation and recovery efforts will be swift and that the situation will soon return to normalcy.”
In a pre-recorded video, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said that “we have expressed our sympathy to those who have suffered as a result of the terrible earthquake.”
US Representative Ami Bera, cochair of the US Congressional Taiwan Caucus, expressed condolences for Taiwan on Facebook.
“During my multiple trips to Taiwan, I have seen firsthand the resilience of its people and the strong management systems in place to respond to natural disasters,” Bera wrote.
“The Taiwanese people are among the most resilient in the world and they will recover from this disaster quickly and stronger,” US-China Economic and Security Review Commission Commissioner Jacob Helberg, who is on a trip to Taiwan, wrote on X.
Supportive voices also came from former US ambassador to the UN Kelly Craft, US representatives Mike Collins, John Curtis, August Pfluger, Jasmine Crockett, Betty McCollum, Kevin Hern, Ted Lieu (劉雲平), Judy Chu (趙美心), Young Kim and Michael Burgess, as well as US senators Marco Rubio, Marsha Blackburn and Steve Daines.
Oleksandr Merezhko, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Ukrainian Parliament, wrote in a social media post: “My thoughts & prayers go out to those affected by the powerful Pacific temblor. Godspeed to first responders as they perform rescue & recovery efforts. Stay strong!”
Marko Mihkelson and Rihards Kols, who chair the foreign affairs committees of the Estonian and Latvian parliaments respectively, also extended condolences to those affected by the disaster.
Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine extended the country’s “heartfelt condolences,” adding that the country “stands in solidarity” with Taiwan.
“It’s heartwarming to receive condolences, well wishes & offers to help from leaders around the world. You let us know that we are not alone, & we will stay strong & resilient with your support,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) wrote on X yesterday.
Additional reporting by CNA
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