In a significant diplomatic move, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and his deputy François Wu (吳志中) welcomed a delegation of 35 Ukrainian officials in Taipei on Tuesday evening. The officials, representing 11 cities across Ukraine, arrived in Taiwan to attend the Smart City Summit & Expo, marking a crucial step in deepening Taiwan-Ukraine relations.
The visit comes as part of Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to support Ukraine amid its recovery from Russia’s 2022 invasion. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) organized an official reception to honor the Ukrainian delegation, reinforcing Taiwan’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and post-war reconstruction efforts in Ukraine.
Taiwan’s Commitment to Ukraine’s Reconstruction
During the reception, Minister Lin Chia-lung highlighted Taiwan’s solidarity with Ukraine, emphasizing the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people in the face of war. Lin noted that Taiwan has consistently extended humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, offering medical supplies, financial aid, and technology-driven solutions to help rebuild critical infrastructure.
Deputy Minister François Wu echoed this sentiment, describing Ukrainians’ ability to endure hardship and rebuild their nation as “a model for the world.” He reaffirmed Taiwan’s dedication to collaborating with Ukraine and other international partners to provide continued support during challenging times.
Ukrainian Officials Seek Stronger Collaboration with Taiwan
Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi and Uzhhorod Mayor Bohdan Andriyiv, two prominent figures in the delegation, expressed their gratitude for Taiwan’s unwavering support. They praised Taiwan’s humanitarian aid and called for increased cooperation between Taiwanese enterprises and Ukrainian cities, particularly in post-war reconstruction and smart city initiatives.
“We deeply appreciate Taiwan’s assistance and look forward to furthering collaboration in technology, urban development, and infrastructure,” said Sadovyi. “Taiwanese expertise in digital innovation and smart governance can greatly contribute to Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts.”
Taiwan and Ukraine Strengthen City-to-City Ties
The Ukrainian delegation’s visit coincides with the Smart City Summit & Expo, a major event showcasing Taiwan’s advancements in AI-driven governance, urban planning, and technological solutions for smart cities. Taiwanese officials see this as an opportunity to build stronger city-level partnerships with Ukraine, facilitating knowledge exchange and business collaboration in various sectors.
MOFA officials emphasized that the expo serves as a platform to explore long-term cooperation, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, public safety, and sustainable urban development. The ministry also expressed hope that this visit would pave the way for more extensive Taiwan-Ukraine city partnerships in the future.
Taiwan’s Ongoing Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine
Since the beginning of the war, Taiwan has actively provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including donations of medical supplies, portable power generators, and financial assistance. In 2023, Taiwan pledged an additional aid package aimed at supporting Ukraine’s healthcare system, educational institutions, and war-affected communities.
With the ongoing visit of Ukrainian officials, Taiwan is reaffirming its role as a reliable partner in Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts, promoting not only diplomatic ties but also economic and technological collaboration between the two nations.
FAQs
Why are Ukrainian officials visiting Taiwan?
The delegation of 35 Ukrainian officials is in Taiwan to attend the Smart City Summit & Expo in Taipei and explore opportunities for collaboration in urban development, technology, and post-war reconstruction.
How is Taiwan supporting Ukraine?
Taiwan has provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in 2022, including medical supplies, financial assistance, and technology-driven solutions for rebuilding infrastructure.
What was the main highlight of the reception for Ukrainian officials?
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and Deputy François Wu hosted a reception to welcome the Ukrainian delegation, reaffirming Taiwan’s commitment to assisting Ukraine in its recovery and strengthening city-level partnerships.
How can Taiwan contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction?
Taiwanese expertise in smart city development, digital governance, and technological innovation can play a crucial role in rebuilding Ukrainian cities and improving infrastructure.
What is the Smart City Summit & Expo?
It is an annual event in Taipei showcasing Taiwan’s advancements in smart governance, AI-driven urban solutions, and digital transformation, providing a platform for international collaboration.
