A Love from Taiwan donation of coronavirus-combating supplies is unloaded at Paro International Airport March 27 in NSP target country Bhutan. (MOFA)

A Love from Taiwan donation of 50 oxygen concentrators and 2,000 N95 surgical masks touched down March 27 in Bhutan, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening the New Southbound Policy target country’s COVID-19 response.

Organized by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India and Taipei Representative Office in Singapore in conjunction with nongovernmental organization Gyalyum Charitable Trust, the shipment was specially freighted by Royal Bhutan Airlines or Drukair.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the donation follows a sharp rise in coronavirus cases as the omicron variant spreads across Bhutan. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue sharing related know-how and medical supplies, the MOFA said.

The independent kingdom in the Himalayas’ struggles with the pandemic spotlights the need for an all hands on deck approach to managing infectious diseases, the ministry said, adding that Taiwan will keep cooperating with allies, friends and like-minded partners in striving to fulfill the U.N.’s promise to Leave No One Behind.

In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “#LoveFromTaiwan is in #Bhutan! #Taiwan-donated oxygen concentrators & #N95 masks organized by our #India & #Singapore offices in partnership with Gyalyum Charitable Trust will combat #COVID19 & promote progress on achieving the @WHO goal of #HealthForAll. Yes! #TaiwanCanHelp”

The NSP is a key plank in the government’s national development strategy. It aims 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)