TAIPEI, Taiwan, Nov 14, CMC – St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr. Terrance Drew has arrived here for a four-day visit, pledging to continue advocating for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations.
Prime Minister Drew, who met with President Lai Ching-te, said that Taiwan and his country shared values such as democracy, dignity and perseverance and that he would continue advocating for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO).
St. Kitts and Nevis is among a handful of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries that enjoy diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China regards as a renegade country and has been urging the international community to adhere to its One China policy. The other CARICOM countries with diplomatic relations are St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize and Haiti.
Lai, meanwhile, thanked Prime Minister Drew for his remarks at the United Nations General Assembly this year, including urging the international community to support Taiwan’s engagement and underscoring the importance of stability across the Taiwan Strait. Prime Minister Drew is leading a delegation that includes Foreign Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas and Ambassador-at-large Leon Natta-Nelson.
“It is a great pleasure to return once again to the beautiful Republic of China. Each visit here feels both familiar and inspiring, a reminder of the enduring friendship that has united my country, St. Kitts and Nevis with yours, for more than forty-two years,” Prime Minister Drew said, highlighting the depth and significance of the bilateral relationship. “Taiwan was the first nation to stand with us following our Independence, and through the decades, this partnership has matured into one of genuine trust, respect, and shared purpose.
“My previous visits have always left me with a deep appreciation for Taiwan’s remarkable achievements in technology, innovation, science, and education, and this visit is no different. Each engagement provides us, as a young and ambitious nation, with an opportunity to learn, grow, and explore new ways to advance our own development.”
Prime Minister Drew said his twin island Federation “remains steadfast in its support for Taiwan, especially in ensuring that your invaluable contributions to global peace, development, and innovation receive the recognition and inclusion they deserve in the international community”. During his visit, Prime Minister Drew will engage in a series of high-level meetings, attend key bilateral events, and explore areas for enhanced cooperation in health, education, technology, agriculture, and sustainable development.
He has already visited the Taipei Veterans General Hospital, one of Taiwan’s most advanced medical institutions and a global leader in clinical care, research, and health innovation. Prime Minister Drew, who is also a medical practitioner and serves as Minister of Health, underscored the importance of learning from global best practices and deepening cooperation with long-standing partners such as Taiwan.
He said that the visit comes at a critical moment as the Federation accelerates efforts to build a resilient, Category-5-ready national hospital capable of withstanding the growing threats of climate change. “We are now in the stages of building the first phase of a new hospital, one that can withstand a Category 5 hurricane. With storms becoming more frequent and severe in the Caribbean, we must ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with this new reality.”
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