Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu hosted a banquet for Ralph Gonsalves, prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and his delegation Aug. 8 in Taipei City.
Wu, who thanked Gonsalves for visiting Taiwan when China’s heightened military threat is a focal point in the region and around the world, said the Caribbean leader's presence underscores the staunch support of the ally for the country and its 23.5 million people.
Taiwan and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have successfully teamed up across a broad spectrum of areas, Wu said, citing cooperation efforts such as combating COVID-19 and rebuilding efforts after the eruption of La Soufriere volcano.
Wu also took the opportunity to thank Gonsalves and his government for the unflagging support of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, as well as highlighting the importance of cross-strait and regional peace and stability.
In response, Gonsalves said since he took office in 2011, bilateral relations have gone from strength to strength. High tensions in the Taiwan Strait do not affect the 41 years of friendship and a commitment to visit the country, he added.
In a tweet on its official account, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said “Minister Wu staged a splendid banquet for @ComradeRalph at #Taipei Guest House. The prime minister’s genial manner lifted spirits & reassured all & sundry that with true friends like #StVincentAndTheGrenadines in the world, #Taiwan will never walk alone. Happy Birthday, PM!” (DL-E)
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