Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and his delegation arrived in St. Lucia Oct. 28 as part of an official tour of Taiwan’s allies in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Lin had an audience with acting Governor-General Errol Charles and met with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre before attending a luncheon with the prime minister and his Cabinet. Later the same day, Lin took part in a bilateral meeting with Senate President Alvina Reynolds and House of Assembly Speaker Claudius J. Francis to exchange views on the Taiwan-St. Lucia relationship, global developments and other issues of mutual interest.
Lin called St. Lucia a key Caribbean ally that values freedom and democracy, as Taiwan does, and expressed gratitude for its backing of Taiwan’s global participation. The minister said that the supportive speeches by Moses Jn. Baptiste, minister of health, wellness and elderly affairs, and Alva Baptiste, minister of external affairs, international trade, civil aviation and diaspora affairs, at the World Health Assembly and U.N. General Assembly, respectively, are sincerely appreciated by the government and people.
The two partners have made great advancements in bilateral projects on education, infrastructure development, public health, technology, and the empowerment of women and youth, Lin said. In line with its integrated and values-based diplomacy, Taiwan will continue sharing technology and experiences to assist St. Lucia and expand the already prosperous relationship, he added.
In response, Pierre said the government and people of St. Lucia are grateful to Taiwan for providing long-term assistance in line with the country’s needs. He looks forward to deepening ties with Taiwan based on the robust existing foundation.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other highlights of the minister’s St. Lucia visit include taking part in an award ceremony for transformation in digital governance, attending the launch of a public health data app and touring a fair to witness the success of various bilateral cooperative projects. (SFC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw