St Vincent mark 45 years of diplomatic ties with Asian island

TAIPEI (CMC):

Taiwan and St Vincent and the Grenadines yesterday marked 45 years of diplomatic relations, with leaders from both countries pledging to strengthen co-operation and expand economic, educational and cultural ties.

Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday, who is leading an official delegation to Taiwan until Saturday, said the relationship had grown significantly since diplomatic ties were established.

“In many other ways you may know, our relationship has grown stronger over those 45 years,” Friday said.

He noted that the partnership had evolved beyond formal diplomatic ties to include technical assistance, stronger economic co-operation and expanded educational opportunities.

“It has evolved from one of the formality of establishing diplomatic relations to engaging in technical missions, to fostering stronger economic ties that involve the private and public sectors, and to massively expanding educational opportunities,” he said.

Friday added that he hoped the relationship would continue to grow ahead of its 50th anniversary.

“My hope is that when our two countries gather for the 50th anniversary of our relationship, we will be able to say that that relationship has grown.”

The Vincentian leader also expressed a desire to see greater collaboration between businesses in both countries, creating opportunities while “enriching our two nations”.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te welcomed Friday on his first official visit to the island, describing it as a reflection of the close ties between the two countries and an opportunity to mark an important milestone.

Lai said the partnership had endured despite changing global circumstances, noting: “but no matter how things change, our nations have always supported one another and walked shoulder to shoulder, upholding the spirit of mutual trust and mutual benefit”.

St Vincent and the Grenadines is one of 12 countries that maintains diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan). The two countries established formal ties on August 15, 1981.

Ahead of Friday’s visit, Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported concerns that the Caribbean nation might reconsider its diplomatic recognition following the New Democratic Party’s election victory. However, the visit has been widely viewed as reaffirming the relationship.

China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and continues to press countries to adopt its One China policy.