Taiwan's ICDF Signs MOU with Estonia, a Milestone for Institutionalized International Development Cooperation

(CNA, Reporter Yang Yao-ju, Taipei, 9th) The International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), Estonia's dedicated government development aid agency. The ICDF stated that this marks a milestone toward the institutionalization and long-term establishment of their international development cooperation, with future collaboration focusing on democratic resilience, digital transformation, and policy dialogue.

The ICDF issued a press release today stating that, with the assistance of the Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia, it has established a cooperative relationship with ESTDEV. Witnessed by Representative Chen Wen-yi of the Taipei Mission in Latvia and Kristo Enn Vaga, Chairman of the Estonia-Taiwan Friendship Group in the Estonian Parliament, ICDF Secretary-General Huang Yu-lin and ESTDEV CEO Andrea Kivi signed a medium- to long-term cooperation memorandum in the Estonian Parliament on the 8th.

The ICDF pointed out that the signing of the memorandum symbolizes a milestone towards institutionalized and long-term cooperation between Taiwan and Estonia in the field of international development. Future efforts will be promoted in four main directions: 1. Strengthening democratic governance and capacity building for public institutions to assist partner countries in enhancing policy planning and governance effectiveness. 2. Promoting digital transformation and the application of technological innovation to foster inclusive and sustainable development models. 3. Exploring collaborative opportunities in Eastern Europe, Africa, and other partner countries to leverage resource integration and complementary benefits. 4. Establishing mechanisms for knowledge sharing and policy dialogue to deepen professional exchanges and talent cultivation.

The ICDF mentioned that establishing a cooperative relationship with ESTDEV this time not only highlights the high degree of alignment between Taiwan and like-minded countries on democratic values and international development issues but also further expands Taiwan's international network for participation in global development cooperation. It is hoped that this will contribute concrete results towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (Editor: Zhai Si-jia) 1150609