At the Lithuanian Development Cooperation Conference in Vilnius, a pivotal memorandum was signed, cementing a $5 million contribution from Taiwan to support Lithuania’s ongoing reconstruction projects in Ukraine. This partnership focuses on essential areas such as education, rehabilitation and reintegration of war veterans, the safe handling of explosives, and training on hazardous materials. The agreement builds on a previous collaboration between Lithuania’s Central Project Management Agency (CPMA) and Taiwan’s representative office in Lithuania, solidifying their shared commitment to helping Ukraine recover from the devastation inflicted by the ongoing war.
Revitalising Education and Community Spaces
Simonas Šatūnas, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the transformative impact of this support. “Our joint efforts in rebuilding Ukraine are changing not only the face of destroyed cities but also people’s lives,” he said. “Over a thousand children have already returned to renovated schools and kindergartens. Thanks to new partnerships with Taiwan, we will also renew and modernise rehabilitation centres where fighters for Ukraine’s freedom and Europe’s security receive treatment.”
Backed by Lithuania’s Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Fund, several reconstruction projects have already been completed in the Kyiv region, including schools and kindergartens that now accommodate over 1,300 children. Among the successes is a school in Borodianka, a refurbished “Ruta” kindergarten in Irpin, an anti-radiation shelter in Kozynci, and a newly equipped kindergarten in Borodianka, all of which have provided much-needed stability and hope for the local communities.
A Swift Response to Rebuild Key Infrastructure
CPMA Director Lidija Kašubienė applauded the joint achievements with Taiwan, particularly the reopening of the “Ruta” kindergarten in Irpin, a structure that was 75% destroyed but, thanks to this cooperation, was rebuilt in just eight months. “Parents were queuing to register their children even before the doors opened,” she shared, adding that safer educational spaces are encouraging Ukrainian families to return to their hometowns. “This memorandum with Taiwan isn’t just a one-time gesture of goodwill; it’s a long-term commitment to effective cooperation with our valued partners,” Kašubienė emphasised.
Lithuania has prioritised three critical areas in its Ukrainian reconstruction projects: educational infrastructure, demining, and veteran rehabilitation and reintegration. According to Kašubienė, Taiwan’s latest contribution will greatly support these essential recovery projects.
A Vision for Resilience and Collaboration
Taiwan’s commitment to Ukraine’s recovery aligns with its broader vision for a resilient, collaborative world, said Constance Wang, Head of Taiwan’s Representative Office in Lithuania. “Like Lithuania, Taiwan shares a vision for a resilient, collaborative world. As Ukraine faces unparalleled challenges, Taiwan is committed to supporting its recovery and reconstruction,” Wang stated. “The memorandum signed today underscores our belief in the transformative power of education and rehabilitation to rebuild lives and strengthen communities. Taiwan remains firmly dedicated to these goals and our long-term partnership with Lithuania.”
Long-term Partnership and Future Goals
Through Lithuania’s Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Fund, the Lithuanian government has already implemented four recovery projects in Ukraine with Taiwan’s assistance, amounting to €4.85 million in total support. This latest partnership is not only a testament to Lithuania and Taiwan’s shared goals for Ukraine but a model for international cooperation and resilience-building in crisis-affected regions.
