3rd Donation Of Covid-19 Vaccines From Japan Arrives In Taiwan

The third donation of COVID-19 vaccine doses from Japan touched down July 15 in Taiwan, reaffirming the strength of friendship and relations between the two sides, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At a time when vaccines are in short supply in many parts of the world, the shipment of AstraZeneca is sincerely appreciated, the MOFA said. The nearly 1 million shots will go a long way toward enhancing Taiwan’s inoculation coverage and pandemic response measures, the ministry added.

The donation brings the total number of AZ vaccine doses from Japan to more than 3.3 million, the MOFA said, adding that such inspiring and timely assistance is testament to the mutual care and support characterizing two-way ties.

Taiwan and Japan have been supporting each other since the onset of the pandemic, the ministry said, citing donations of medical masks and personal protective equipment to the East Asian country, as well as jointly arranged flights to evacuate citizens from areas hard hit by coronavirus.

As Japan prepares to stage the Summer Games in Tokyo commencing July 23, the government and people of Taiwan wish the event every success and firmly believe it will assist in laying the foundations for Japan’s post-pandemic bounceback, the MOFA said.

It is sincerely hoped the pandemic will soon be under control, so global economic activities and exchanges can resume and people can return to everyday life as soon as possible, the ministry added.

In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “Good things truly come in threes. The 3rd shipment of #COVID19 vaccine doses for #Taiwan from #Japan brings the #RealFriend’s donated total to 3.3 million since June. The government & people are forever grateful, & wish our special partner a successful #Tokyo2020. Thank you!” (SFC-E)