TAIPEI, Taiwan, St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre said Wednesday that while his island (CNA) does not believe in interference in the internal affairs of other countries, it has chosen to be a diplomatic ally with Taiwan that China considers a renegade province.
“We believe in all states having responsibility for their own foreign policy; we do not interfere in the internal relations of states,” Pierre said, adding, “it’s our choice as a country to establish diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and that has been our choice.”
Pierre, who arrived here on Monday at the start of a five-day official state visit, told the state-owned Central News Agency (CAN) that Castries respects the sovereignty of all countries as he responded to a question should China seek to establish official diplomatic relations with his country.
“We respect the sovereignty of Taiwan, we respect the sovereignty of all states, we do not believe in interfering in the internal affairs of other countries, so we’ve chosen now to be a diplomatic ally of Taiwan, and that’s what we are,” Pierre said.
Pierre, citing the mutual respect both countries have for democratic traditions, including the staging of general elections, said St. Lucia and Taiwan could teach other countries many things.
“We know how to run elections, and that is something we can teach states. I’m sure Taiwan can teach larger countries transitions. We do not believe in invasions; we do not believe in the use of force; we believe in peaceful transitions of government.”
Pierre said that his government has always advocated that Taiwan should have a voice in the international community, such as at the United Nations and Interpol.
Pierre, who is on his first official visit to Taiwan, said, “I’m here to express my gratitude, the gratitude of all the people of Saint Lucia. I’m also here to strengthen the bonds of friendship that exist between our two islands.”
Pierre said he also hopes to gain a better understanding of life in Taiwan after learning about the discipline and resilience of the Taiwanese people.
Pierre’s delegation met with Republic of China (Taiwan) President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday to explore possible cooperation on tackling climate change and other challenges.
The Republic of China and St. Lucia first established diplomatic relations in 1984, but ties were severed in 1997 when the Caribbean country switched recognition from Taipei to Beijing. In April 2007, the two countries re-established diplomatic relati
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