TAIPEI, Taiwan, CMC – President Lai Ching-te Monday welcomed St. Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrence Drew to the Asian with a military salute ceremony, noting that his visit demonstrates the high regard for bilateral ties between the two countries.
Drew, who is leading a delegation that includes his Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Denzil Douglas, and the Premier of Nevis, Mark Brantley, is making his second state visit to Taiwan since taking office in August 2022, having last visited in November 2022.
Lai said both countries uphold shared values of democracy and human rights, and the bilateral partnership has continued to deepen across all domains since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1983.
The head of state thanked Prime Minister Drew for “calling for justice and demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan on the international stage,” adding that both governments would work together to advance the well-being of their countries’ peoples.
St. Kitts-Nevis is among a handful of Caribbean Community (CARCOM) countries that enjoy diplomatic relations with Taiwan. China regards it as a renegade province and wants the world to adopt the One China policy.
The other CARICOM countries are St. Lucia, Belize, Haiti, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
In his address, Prime Minister Drew Drew said his visit to Taiwan was necessary” as it fortifies the solid foundation built over four decades.”
He congratulated President Lai on his January presidential election victory, saying his inauguration on May 20 marked “the beginning of a promising chapter for Taiwan, and we look forward to strengthening our ties further under your guidance.”
Prime Minister Drew also expressed his gratitude to Taiwan for the decades of technical assistance and other support, capacity building, and international advocacy it has given his country.
“As friends, the government of St.Kitts and Nevis is always ready to use its influence at international forums to advocate for values and principles that we share with Taiwan,” he said, adding he believes Taiwan “has a vital role” in the global economy due to its manufacture and export of quality goods and services.
“Additionally, Taiwan’s contributions to global efforts in addressing pandemics, climate change adaptation and mitigation, disaster preparedness, food and livelihood security, and rapid urbanization are all invaluable,” Prime Minister Drew said.
Monday’s ceremony began with Drew receiving a 21-gun salute, after which the two countries’ national anthems were played. The two leaders then inspected honor guards and military bands from the armed forces.
Drew and his delegation are on a five-day official visit that ends on Wednesday. He has already met with St. Kitts-Nevis nationals living in Taiwan, many of whom are students who received Taiwan government scholarships.
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