President Lai Ching-te said June 24 that Taiwan is committed to strengthening cooperation with St. Kitts and Nevis in areas spanning agricultural technology, public health, medicine and women’s empowerment to jointly build a better future.
Lai made the remarks during bilateral talks with the Caribbean ally’s Prime Minister Terrance Drew at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. Also attended by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, the dialogue followed a welcome ceremony with military honors earlier in the day.
The president first thanked Drew for appointing Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley and Attorney-General Garth Wilkin to attend his inauguration ceremony last month. The ally’s long-standing support for Taiwan’s international participation is deeply appreciated, Lai said, citing Drew’s speech at the U.N. General Assembly last year and the National Assembly’s passage of a resolution backing Taiwan’s engagement in global bodies earlier this year.
The establishment of the PO’s Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee last week demonstrates the country’s determination to advance public health and medicine development, Lai said, adding that he looks forward to working with St. Kitts and Nevis in the medical field to further contribute to the well-being of the people on both sides.
In response, Drew described the visit as a testament to the robust bond between Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis over the last 40 years. The two countries have achieved remarkable milestones in collaboration, as evidenced by the signing ceremony to commence construction on the new climate-smart Joseph Nathaniel France General Hospital last month, he said.
Bilateral engagement has also flourished in areas such as education, renewable energy and technology, Drew said, adding that scholarships and training programs provided by Taiwan are welcomed by the government and people.
Drew thanked Taiwan for its provision of medical supplies, personal protective equipment and vaccines during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He went on to reaffirm that St. Kitts and Nevis is a steadfast advocate for Taiwan in the international arena and recognized the country’s significant contributions and potential to offer solutions to global challenges.
Following the talks, Lai and Hsiao hosted a state banquet for the prime minister and his delegation, expressing best wishes for their stay in Taiwan. (YCH-E)
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