Premier Yu Shyi-kun presided over a ceremony in the central harbour of Taichung, with Jordan's representative to Taipei Bilal N. Hmoud accepting the aid on behalf of his government.

The humanitarian aid included 5,000 tonnes of rice worth 100 million Taiwan dollars as well as medical equipment, medicine, sanitary products, canned food, tents and blankets donated by local charity groups.

"The ship carrying the aid will set sail on Thursday next week, and if everying goes smoothly, the aid should be transported to Jordan within two weeks," cabinet spokesman Lin Chia-lung told reporters.

Foreign ministry spokeman Richard Shih has said the government was ready to provide further aid if necessary.

The Taiwan government had thrown its support behind the US-led military attack on Iraq, although there have been sporadic anti-war protests.

Taiwan has agreed to open its air space to US military aircraft flying from Japan to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

SPACE.WIRE