CONDOLENCES FROM TAIWAN TO ETO FOR EARTHQUAKE DISASTER

Simon Wang, Chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), extended his condolences to ETO President Metin Güler in a letter following the devastating earthquake in Turkey.

The Taiwan External Trade Development Council, with whom the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce (ETO) signed a cooperation agreement in 2016, expressed deep sympathy over Turkey’s recent tragedy. In his letter, Wang conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of TAITRA for the lives lost, emphasizing Taiwan's understanding, as the country also experiences earthquakes. He recalled Taiwan’s 921 Earthquake, which struck with a magnitude of 7.3 about 23 years ago, causing thousands of deaths and widespread destruction. Taiwan received timely assistance from Turkey’s AKUT Search and Rescue Association, which Wang noted was deeply appreciated and remembered in Taiwan.

Wang informed Güler that Taiwan had promptly deployed two search and rescue teams, including 130 personnel and rescue dogs, to Turkey, with President Tsai Ing-wen also pledging a $2 million humanitarian aid donation. He further noted TAITRA's commitment to raising additional support, underscoring the shared resilience and friendship that have grown since their cooperation agreement.

Support Messages from Across the Globe Inspire Strength to Heal

ETO President Metin Güler expressed both pride and emotion upon receiving the letter, highlighting how support from the other side of the world brings courage to heal the wounds of the disaster. Güler thanked Simon Wang for his kind words and noted the profound transformation of the ETO and TAITRA’s economic cooperation agreement into a relationship of friendship and solidarity. He recalled visiting Taiwan in 2017 with ETO member industrialists to strengthen ties and engage with TAITRA officials.