TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation have agreed to strengthen collaboration on humanitarian aid and post-disaster relief, the ministry announced Thursday on X.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Tzu Chi CEO Yen Bo-wen (顏博文) signed a memorandum of understanding Tuesday at the foreign ministry to set a framework for deeper public-private sector cooperation. The agreement will enable Taiwanese diplomats to gain first-hand experience from Tzu Chi’s extensive international disaster relief and medical aid operations.

“Taiwan faces frequent natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, instilling in us a unique resilience and empathy for those suffering abroad,” Lin said. He noted Tzu Chi’s globally recognized relief missions following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Caribbean hurricanes, and recent aid in Ukraine.

Yen thanked the ministry for providing a government platform to expand joint efforts. He said Tzu Chi operates at over 600 locations in 68 countries and maintains strong partnerships with major international organizations and NGOs.

“Working closely with (the foreign ministry) will amplify our shared impact in assisting vulnerable communities worldwide,” Yen said. Around 12,000 volunteers took part in Tzu Chi’s cleanup efforts in Hualien’s Guangfu Township following Typhoon Ragasa.

Founded in 1966 by Buddhist nun Cheng Yen (證嚴) in Hualien, Tzu Chi has grown into a leading humanitarian NGO focused on disaster relief, medical services, education, and environmental sustainability.