President Tsai sends condolences to Haiti following earthquake
In response to a magnitude-7.2 earthquake which struck the Republic of Haiti on August 14 (local time) and caused devastating damage and loss of life, Presidential Office Spokesperson Xavier Chang (張惇涵) said on August 15 (Taipei time) that, on behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, President Tsai Ing-wen expressed her sincere concern to the people and government of our ally Haiti, and extended her deepest condolences to the victims and their families. Based on humanitarian concerns and our countries' friendship, President Tsai ordered the donation of US$500,000 for disaster relief, and offered to provide the Haitian government with further assistance in rescue efforts and post-disaster reconstruction.
Spokesperson Chang stated that Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) spoke with Haitian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship Claude Joseph immediately after the earthquake to convey President Tsai's sympathy, and said that Ambassador to Haiti Ku Wen-jiann (古文劍) also expressed condolences to Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry. President Tsai has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our embassy in Haiti to continue monitoring the situation and the security of Taiwanese expatriates there in order to provide necessary assistance and ensure their safety.
Spokesperson Chang noted that Taiwan and Haiti have enjoyed 65 years of friendly diplomatic relations, and that the people of Taiwan are deeply concerned about the casualties and losses caused by this earthquake. President Tsai has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our embassy in Haiti to continue monitoring disaster relief work and post-disaster reconstruction, and to provide assistance as necessary. In addition to donating US$500,000 for disaster relief, Taiwan has a search and rescue team which, conditions permitting, is ready to deploy upon the Haitian government's request.
Spokesperson Chang emphasized that Taiwan stands by Haiti and our other allies through natural disasters and difficult times, and we hope that Haiti and its people can recover and return to normal as soon as possible.