Dr. Ho-jen Tseng, Taiwan’s Representative to the EU and Belgium, signed a memorandum of understanding on May 15 with Mr. Roger Harris, Executive Director of the UK-based International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network, under which Taiwan made a second donation of USD 30,000 to the Piracy Survivor Family Fund (PSFF), in contribution to counter-piracy and international humanitarian assistance.
As a long-time champion of the fight against piracy, MEP Charles Tannock, Honorary Chairman of the EP-Taiwan Friendship Group, hosted the signing ceremony at the European Parliament in recognition of Taiwan’s counter-piracy contribution. The ceremony was attended by MEPs and officials from the European Union and diplomatic missions in Brussels.
The PSFF was established by the UN Contact Group for Piracy off the Coast of Somalia in October 2014 to provide assistance to piracy victims and their families. Since its founding, the PSFF has aided victimized seafarers and their families from Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Iran, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine, and Vietnam.
Taiwan has proactively supported Somalia in its capacity building in healthcare and maritime security in recent years. At the recommendation of the European Union, Taiwan made its first donation to the PSFF in October 2015. As the rehabilitation of piracy victims and their families remains overwhelmingly dependent upon international assistance, Taiwan has stepped up its assistance with another donation to the PSFF. Taiwan continues to work with the international community to provide humanitarian assistance, as well as promote international and regional security.
