MOFA Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu joins Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil in launching the mask-production line donated by Taiwan to the EU country March 11 from Taipei City. (MOFA)

Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu took part in the virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony March 11 for a mask production line donated by Taiwan to the Czech Republic from Taipei City.

Reunited with Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil via video link, Wu said the donation underscored the robust relationship between the two like-minded partners and their joint commitment to fighting COVID-19.

According to the minister, the restructuring of global supply chains prompted by coronavirus highlights Taiwan’s role as a reliable trade partner to the world. The success of the Taiwan Model also proves that democracy is the best approach to managing pandemics and crises, he added.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweeted the same day, “Minister Wu launched the #TaiwanCanHelp mask-making production line in unison with @SenatCZ President @Vystrcil_Milos. The initiative reflects the strength of #Taiwan-#Czechia relations, as well as the success of government-to-government cooperation. Yes! We’re #StrongerTogether.”

In response, Vystrcil expressed gratitude on behalf of his government and people for the donation, adding that the countries have been making strides in cooperation on education, technology and trade and that he expects bilateral exchanges to keep progressing forward.

Czech Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Martina Tauberova said Taiwan is an important partner in her country’s efforts to strengthen industrial resilience. The equipment is being employed to produce FFP or N95 masks for front-line medical staffers, she added.

A short film was also broadcast during the event showing the production line up and running at the local manufacturing firm Spur a.s., according to the MOFA.

The donation builds on the partnership against the pandemic jointly announced by the two sides in April 2020 and the successful visit of Vystrcil to Taiwan later the same year, the ministry said. The government will continue deepening disease-fighting cooperation and democratic partnership with the Czech Republic, it added. (SFC-E)