MOFA Deputy Minister Tien Chung-kwang (left) is joined by Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre, Taipei President Sharon Ho Swee Peng during the donation ceremony for 200 Love from Taiwan oxygen concentrators Sept. 3 in Taipei City.

A total of 200 oxygen concentrators were donated by Taiwan to Malaysia Sept. 3, underscoring the government’s commitment to helping the New Southbound Policy target country combat COVID-19, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

MOFA Deputy Minister Tien Chung-kwang said during the Love from Taiwan ceremony that the country has been sharing its disease-fighting resources with partners like Malaysia since the onset of the pandemic. The donation reaffirms the robust and friendly nature of bilateral ties, as well as people-centric spirit of the NSP, he added.

Infectious diseases do not respect national borders, and no one is safe until everyone is safe, Tien said, adding that the show of solidarity is expected to pave the way for deepening the two sides’ relationship.

Sharon Ho Swee Peng, head of the Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre, Taipei, responded with an expression of gratitude for the timely assistance from Taiwan. The warm gesture of friendship will facilitate future collaboration and exchanges, she said.

According to the MOFA, more than 35,000 Taiwan businessmen live in Malaysia, while approximately 13,000 Malaysians study in Taiwan. In addition, the countries have cooperated in areas spanning culture, education, investment, trade and tourism, reflecting the depth of the two sides’ partnership, the ministry said.

In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “Deputy Minister Tien presided over the #LoveFromTaiwan donation of 200 O2 concentrators to #Malaysia. The devices will help the #NewSouthboundPolicy target country combat #COVID19 & save lives. Our thanks to @MYMFTCTaipei Rep. Ho for the partnership. We're #StrongerTogether!”

A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP seeks to enhance Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand. (DL-E)