A congressional friendship association has donated 2,300 protective medical gowns to Osaka to help the Japanese city weather the COVID-19 crisis.
The cross-partisan association, founded by DPP lawmaker Kuo Kuo-wen, is aimed at promoting friendship between Taiwan and Japan. Taiwan and Japan do not have formal diplomatic relations.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, DPP lawmaker Kuo Kuo-wen said his association has mailed 2,300 gowns to Osaka.
Kuo says Osaka desperately needs protective medical gowns. The city is short of medical gowns and often uses raincoats instead. Kuo says there is a serious need for medical supplies there and Taiwan should send donations to help out.
The deputy head of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, Nishiumi Shigehiro says he is deeply touched by the warmth and compassion of the Taiwanese people.
On behalf of Japan, Nishiumi says he would like to thank Taiwan for extending a helping hand even though Taiwan itself has to cope with the pandemic too. “A friend in need is a friend indeed,” said Nishiumi.