Following the Brussels airport and metro station terrorist attacks, Premier Chang San-cheng today directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) to check the safety of ROC expatriates, students and tourist groups in Belgium. The MOTC has also ordered all transportation terminals to be on high alert.
The premier voiced deep regret after hearing the breaking news of the attacks, which have resulted in more than 20 deaths and a great number of injuries, Executive Yuan Spokesperson Sun Lih-chyun stated. Chang expressed his condolences and strongly condemned violence.
The MOE stated that so far there has been no indication that any of the ROC's 90 students and 30 exchange students in Belgium was harmed. The ministry is urgently making contact with the 29 students in the Brussels area, and it will continue to reach out to students to confirm their safety. The MOE has also instructed the chief and staff of the Taiwanese students association in Belgium to stay vigilant and closely follow the emergency's latest developments.
The Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport has strengthened security measures in response to the attacks, the MOTC stated. Aside from enhancing surveillance across the board and around the clock, the Taoyuan Airport Corporation has reinforced terminal patrols and tasked security personnel to stay vigilant and look out for any suspicious person, object or luggage.
In light of the enhanced airport security checks, the MOTC recommended that international travelers arrive at the airport for check-in 2.5 hours before their flights. It also called upon travelers to be patient and cooperate with security measures.