Taiwan's foreign ministry on Friday presented donations collected to help those affected by the New Year's Day earthquake in Japan.

Taiwan authorities gathered more than 2.5 billion yen, or about 17 million dollars, in a two-week fundraising drive. They began accepting donations from the public four days after the quake hit central Japan.

Foreign minister Joseph Wu said he believes people in Taiwan care about the residents of quake-hit areas just as he does. He spoke at a ceremony in Taipei, where the money was handed over to Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association official Katayama Kazuyuki.

Wu also spoke about Japanese civil engineer Hatta Yoichi, who helped build a dam and irrigation systems in Taiwan during a period of Japanese rule. Hatta was born in Ishikawa Prefecture, which was heavily damaged by the quake.

Wu said the Taiwanese spirit is to reciprocate for a drop of water with a gushing fountain. He said the bond between Taiwan and Japan is that the nations will serve as each others' strongest shield at the time of most need.

Wu added that once the restoration work makes progress, he's sure the people of Taiwan will visit the quake-hit areas in large groups to cheer up the people there. Speaking in Japanese, he encouraged Japan and Ishikawa Prefecture to persevere.

Katayama expressed his gratitude for the support. He said he was surprised by how much they were able to collect in just two weeks, and that he was moved by the warm encouragement from Taiwan's people.