Presidential Office thanks Lithuania for second COVID-19 vaccine donation
In response to Lithuania's donation of 235,900 AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses, which arrived in Taiwan on the evening of October 9, Presidential Office Spokesperson Xavier Chang (張惇涵) stated that the Presidential Office expresses heartfelt and sincere thanks to the Lithuanian government. This is Lithuania's second donation following an initial batch of 20,000 doses delivered at the end of July, in what is yet another demonstration of the power of mutual assistance between free and democratic partners in our collective fight against the pandemic.
Spokesperson Chang said that the people of Taiwan are deeply touched by the Lithuanian government's staunch support, and expressed our firm belief that as the virtuous cycle among democratic partners continues to expand, we will undoubtedly be able to overcome the challenges of the pandemic together. Spokesperson Chang also expressed the Presidential Office's sincere gratitude to our diplomatic corps and everyone else involved in facilitating the prompt delivery of these vaccines, and said that we deeply cherish our countries' friendship.
Spokesperson Chang said that the Presidential Office also thanks Lithuania for standing firm in the face of pressure to show its support for Taiwan, including through its donation of a total of 255,900 vaccine doses as well as its active support for Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization and other international organizations, actions which together reflect the spirit of broadening democratic alliances and deepening international friendships. Preparations for the establishment of mutual representative offices in Taiwan and Lithuania are moving forward, which will substantially benefit both our bilateral partnership as well as Taiwan's cooperation with the Baltic countries.
Spokesperson Chang added that Lithuania's donation will help raise vaccination coverage in Taiwan, with these doses to be administered in line with arrangements by our Central Epidemic Command Center. Taiwan will also continue to deepen all aspects of our partnership with Lithuania, which is based on our shared values of democracy, freedom, and human rights, while cooperating to fight the pandemic, defend our values, and work as a global force for good.