Through thick and thin

TAIPEI AND BASSETERRE HAVE STUCK WITH EACH OTHER through thick and thin during some four-decade ties, a glowing testimony of genuine friendship said Taiwan’s President, Dr. Tsai Ing-wen.

“Since establishing diplomatic tie 39 years ago, our country has supported each other through good times and difficult times and we continue to strengthen collaboration in all fields building extremely fruitful results,” President Ing-wen said.

She emphasised that “St Kitts and Nevis is an important ally of Taiwan in the Caribbean region. This is Prime Minister Drew’s first visit to an ally since he took office three months ago. This shows how highly he regards the bond between our two nations.”

The Taiwanese leader made the observations during the just-concluded, four-day inaugural official visit of Prime Minister, Dr Terrance Drew and a 10-member delegation to Taipei since his St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) retook the seat of government after seven years in the opposition.

Taipei put on a grand military display for the Caribbean visitors and according to Ing-wen, her country is eager to address issues of mutual interest.

“We look forward to addressing issues of mutual interests and engaging in an exchange of in-depth opinions in this visit. This will lead to even more cooperation,” she said.

She is confident, she reiterated that Taipei can back the twin-island Federation to achieve some of its goals.

“In particular we believe that Taiwan can provide the best experience of medicine and health insurance which are to both sides issues of particular importance to Prime Minister Drew,” she declared.

The Basseterre delegation wrapped up their four-day state visit last Thursday with a visit to Taipei Veterans General Hospital and International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF).