President Ma Ying-jeou has thanked the international community for the condolences which have poured in following a plane crash in Taipei on Wednesday morning.
The United States, the European Union, Japan and other countries have offered their condolences for the victims of TransAsia Airways flight GE235.
President Ma expressed his gratitude on Friday during a meeting with visiting Czech Parliamentarian Petr Gazdik at the presidential office in Taipei.
"The plane crash resulted in heavy casualties. The rescue efforts are ongoing," said Ma. "On behalf of the family members of the victims, I would like to express my appreciation to [the nations which have shared their condolences], including the Pope and other world leaders," he said.