Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has assured the Philippines that Taiwan is ready to help the country as it faces the brunt of severe tropical storm 'Kristine.'
Taiwan is among the countries that expressed its sympathies with the Filipino people after ‘Kristine’ battered the Philippines, inundated parts of Luzon, and reportedly left at least 20 people dead.
Lai said he was sending his heartfelt condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the devastation caused by ‘Kristine.’
He said that “in times of need, neighbors help each other out.”
“We are closely monitoring the situation and Taiwan stands ready to offer assistance. Praying for a swift recovery,” Lai said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, the ambassadors of China, UK, Australia, Japan, Germany and Romania also expressed their sympathies with the Filipino people.
They said they are willing to extend assistance to the country.
“Sending our heartfelt sympathies to Filipino people during this difficult time as Typhoon #KristinePH wreaks havoc. Our thoughts are with all those affected. We stand ready to lend a helping hand. Stay safe and dry everyone!” Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian said.
British envoy Laure Beaufils said a UK-supported network of non-governmental organizations already activated its funds for support to the Philippines as it stands with the country in compassion in solidarity.
Australian ambassador HK Yu said Canberra is already in contact with Philippine government partners who are responding to the situation as it stands ready to assist.
Japanese envoy Endo Kazuya said Tokyo stands in compassion and solidarity with the Philippines in these trying times as its heartfelt thoughts and prayers are also with everyone experiencing the typhoon’s “devastating effects.”
German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke said he expressed his heartfelt condolences to all the families bearing the brunt of ‘Kristine.’
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this tropical storm. Let’s stand together!” he said.
Romanian envoy Raduta Matache also expressed her sympathies.
“May our solidarity strengthen their resilience,” she said.