Drew reassures Taipei of Basseterre’s loyalty
PRIME MINISTER DR TERRANCE DREW REASURRED TAIWAN of his county’s loyalty following his recent maiden journey to the Asian state as St Kitts and Nevis fourth post-independent leader.
“This State visit to Taiwan is significant in more ways than one – it strengthens the solid platform built for well over three decades, which allows us to implement projects under the broad rubric of functional cooperation,” Drew said.
The trip, said PM Drew, “also places us at the threshold of a new era of enhanced partnership, where we consider creative solutions to the challenges which threaten to preventing us from achieving our development objectives. We cannot deny the rich legacy of technical and financial assistance, capacity building, and international advocacy which shaped the contours of our bilateral relationship since we attained our independence in 1983.”
St. Kitts and Nevis have benefited significantly from its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, receiving numerous scholarships and support in the area of electricity generation.
“While other countries are endowed with rich mineral resources, our people are our resource base. It is therefore prudent for us to continually strive to build our human resource capacity. We are eternally grateful to the Government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for their valuable assistance in achieving this objective,” the PM said.
He continued, “We are equally grateful for the assistance we receive in agriculture, health care, public infrastructure, ICT, and environmental conservation, to name but a few”.
He assured that the twin-island Caribbean Federation is always ready to use its influence in international fora to advocate for values and principles shared with Taiwan.
“We therefore have no difficulty in promoting our shared values of democracy, good governance, human rights, and the rule of law,” he promised.
Taiwan, said the Basseterre’s PM, has a pivotal role in furthering the global economy through manufacturing wizardry and export of high-quality goods and longed-for services.
“Taiwan can also contribute to the global effort to find solutions to pandemics, climate change adaptation and mitigation endeavors, disaster preparedness, food and livelihood security, and rapid urbanization. At the global level, Taiwan has assisted us in achieving sustainable development in all its dimensions.”
“The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis remains committed to sustaining and strengthening the bonds of friendship between our two countries. We are anxious to meet with stakeholders from government and civil society as we explore possible areas of cooperation aimed at bringing our people together and promoting their advancement,” he explained.
Drew anxiously anticipates next year’s Ruby anniversary of diplomatic ties between Taipei and Basseterre
“In September 2023, we will celebrate our 40th Anniversary of Independence. This coincides with forty years of diplomatic relationship between our two countries. This is a milestone worthy of celebration. I am certain we will allocate time to initiate discussions on tangible ways to demonstrate our strong partnership during our period of celebration.”
You have proven yourselves to be a true friend,” PM Drew said.
