On Wednesday, TAIPEI, Taiwan, CMC -St Kitts-Nevis said it intends to seek assistance from Taiwan as the twin-island Federation moves towards developing its renewable energy sector and achieving its “sustainable island state” policy goal.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Denzil Douglas, who is leading a delegation here, said that his country is shifting from an agricultural society to a more diversified economy that includes manufacturing, tourism, hospitality, and offshore education.
He told a news conference that, so far, more than 90 percent of energy in St. Kitts-Nevis comes from fossil fuels, which are unsustainable.
Douglas said that, as a result, the Caribbean country needs to turn to its friend, Taiwan, to learn about the technology and structures that its government can implement to quickly boost its share of renewables.
He said the types of “green” energy sources that St. Kitts-Nevis is looking to develop include solar and geothermal, with the latter being an ideal option for the island of Nevis.
Douglas said the delegation visited Taiwan’s state-run utility, Taiwan Power Co., on Wednesday to observe and compare the two countries’ operating models and determine how best to collaborate.
During the news conference, Douglas responding to the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent claim that U.N. Resolution 2758 implies Taiwan is a province of China, said, “Countries like China or any other country would unnecessarily get involved and engaged in a global conflict because of its relationship with Taiwan.
“We want to say that peace should win within the Taiwan Strait,” he said. He noted that though China has emerged as a significant power, his country believes it should understand its responsibilities and that the matter will eventually be resolved through rational discussions.
He added that the Twin Island Federation will continue to support Taiwan’s participation in international forums, such as the World Health Assembly and the International Civil Aviation Organization, despite China’s exertion of influence to ostracize Taiwan.
“We believe that Taiwan has a serious contribution to the advancement of mankind … And so we rationalize in a very, very clear way where we believe Taiwan can contribute to the progress on global affairs,” he said.
On Tuesday, Douglas met with the President of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, to discuss deepening the two countries’ partnership.
A St. Kitts-Nevis government statement issued after the talks said that the Foreign Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to speaking up for Taiwan, which deserves a voice and a seat among peers in international organizations.
“Taiwan has the innovation, technology, knowledge, and expertise to significantly impact some of the world’s most urgent issues,” Douglas said.
The statement quoted President Lai Ching-te as thanking the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country for actively advocating for Taiwan and supporting its participation in international venues and organizations.
“I also believe that by having Taiwan share its experiences in renewable energy and energy-saving technologies, our two countries will jointly drive green industrial transformation and stimulate sustainable development together,” he added.
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