Vice President Lai Ching-te hosted Deputy Prime Minister of St. Lucia Ernest Hilaire and his delegation at the Presidential Office May 23 in Taipei City and pledged to continue deepening ties between the two countries.
According to Lai, Taiwan and St. Lucia are both island nations committed to the universal values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. He called on other democratic countries to stand in unity with Taiwan as it upholds its commitment to maintaining the peaceful and stable cross-strait status quo.
Lai additionally expressed gratitude on behalf of the government and people for the Caribbean ally’s steadfast backing of Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization and Interpol. He added that its supportive remarks during the World Health Assembly this year were greatly appreciated.
The vice president also praised St. Lucia’s spectacular scenery and said that the two sides should expand cooperation to develop tourism in the post-pandemic era.
In response, Hilaire said that St. Lucia sees Taiwan as a special friend whose support can be felt throughout his country, especially in such areas as agriculture, economy, infrastructure development, law enforcement, medical services and public health.
Taiwan plays a key role in the global community and deserves to be accepted by international organizations, Hilaire said, adding that his government will continue to advocate for Taiwan’s global participation. (SFC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw