中華民國外交部

The government of Taiwan continues to provide Haiti with necessary assistance and support

A Special Rescue and Search Team from the National Fire Agency of the Ministry of the Interior arrived in Haiti on January 16 and split up into three small operation groups. The Emergency Rescue and Search Medical Team of the Red Cross Society of the Republic of China (Taiwan) arrived in the Dominican Republic on the same day heading towards Haiti to provide assistance.

During an audience with President of Haiti, René Préval, a representative from the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Haiti extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of President Ma Ying-jeou and people of Taiwan. While offering various humanitarian measures, President Préval expressed his gratitude and concern on Ambassador Hsu Mien-sheng’s wellbeing. Deeply touched by Amb. Hsu’s comment on returning to Haiti despite being on crutches. President Préval would like to visit Amb. Hsu in his upcoming trip to the Dominican Republic.

Members of the Haitian Embassy spare no effort to ensure the proper functioning of our Embassy, to restore communication and coordination on the command system, and to assist proactively with all disaster relief. Despite difficulties in connecting with the outside world, Embassy staff have worked uninterrupted to find every possible means to remain reachable, to provide the relevant authorities in Taiwan with up-to-date information, to keep Haitian students in Taiwan informed as to the whereabouts of their families. For security reasons, the embassy has safely dispatched Taiwanese businesses people and family members of the Embassy to the Dominican Republic.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, the local situation has deteriorated while international rescue command system is in chaos and the distribution of relief supplies is protracted. Many people have lost everything and looting is rife. Our government is extremely concerned about the situation, and will continue to coordinate with the private sector so as to quickly provide the Haitian people and government with necessary assistance. (E)