March 30, 2019
No. 066
The Syrian Democratic Forces announced on March 23 that all Daesh-held territory in Syria had been liberated with the support of the US-led Global Coalition against Daesh, and that Daesh, previously known as ISIS, had failed to achieve its primary objective. The US State Department said future actions against Daesh will focus on humanitarian assistance, reconstruction work and stabilization efforts in Syria and Iraq. The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan)—a member of the Global Coalition and a responsible partner in the international community—recognizes this important milestone in the fight against Daesh and pledges to continue supporting the Global Coalition as part of efforts to restore a peaceful and stable life to the Syrian people as soon as possible.
Since joining the Global Coalition against Daesh in 2014, Taiwan has contributed to a number of humanitarian assistance and stabilization endeavors, providing assistance through both governmental and nongovernmental organizations to civilians in Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey who were affected by Daesh. This included the donation of 350 prefabricated houses, a mobile hospital, winter clothing, and rice, as well as funds and equipment for minesweeping operations. On February 6, Representative to the US Stanley Kao attended the Meeting of Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, hosted by US State Secretary Michael Pompeo, where he announced that Taiwan would donate US$500,000 to Nadia’s Initiative, an NGO founded by 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad, as humanitarian aid for Iraq.
As Taiwan and the US commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act this year, we are steadily expanding cooperation across many domains, including counterterrorism and the fight against Daesh. Our enduring partnership is reflected in bilateral efforts to ensure regional peace and stability, as well as safeguard the common values of freedom and human rights for people worldwide. (E)