On August 13, 2026, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen attended the “45th Anniversary Celebration of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines” banquet. Representing the government and all Taiwanese people, she expressed sincere blessings for the enduring friendship between the two countries. President Tsai also looked forward to more young people injecting new vitality into bilateral cooperation, ensuring the continued flourishing of the Taiwan-Saint Vincent friendship.
In her speech at the banquet, President Tsai expressed great delight in celebrating the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with all the distinguished guests. She thanked Prime Minister Godwin Friday for leading a delegation to visit Taiwan, showcasing a high level of friendship towards Taiwan. She also expressed gratitude to all the friends present who have supported the Taiwan-Saint Vincent friendship and witnessed this important historical moment together.
President Tsai noted that Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are both maritime nations that share universal values such as democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. Despite the geographical distance between them, their sincere friendship has never been hindered. Over the past 45 years, both countries have faced a changing global landscape and numerous challenges, yet Taiwan and Saint Vincent have always upheld the spirit of mutual trust and mutual benefit, supporting each other shoulder to shoulder.
She emphasized that both Prime Minister Friday and herself are determined to chart a more long-term future for the friendship between the two countries, looking forward to a brighter 45 years ahead. In recent years, the two countries have continued to deepen their cooperation in industries, talent development, and infrastructure.
President Tsai highlighted projects like the construction of the Arnos Vale Intensive Care Hospital, the “Young Farmers Training Program,” and the “Livestock Development Program” that have brought tangible benefits to the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, strengthening the friendship between Taiwan and Saint Vincent. People-to-people exchanges and cooperation have improved, making the Taiwan-Saint Vincent relationship a true partnership.
Regarding challenges such as authoritarian expansion, climate change, public health, and digital security that pose severe threats to the international community, President Tsai stressed the importance of democratic partners uniting. Cooperation between partners not only promotes bilateral development but also aims to build a close international network to safeguard global democracy, peace, and prosperity together.
President Tsai highlighted the significance of Prime Minister Friday’s visit to Taiwan and the celebration of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, reaffirming Taiwan and Saint Vincent’s shared beliefs and goals. She emphasized the importance of moving forward together, not only towards the world but also embracing the world.
President Tsai mentioned Ambassador Kenton X. Chance, who presented his credentials at the ceremony as the best representative of the achievements of the 45-year friendship between the two countries. Ambassador Chance, who studied in Taiwan from 2006 and returned as a resident ambassador this year, has witnessed the educational cooperation between Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the continuous strengthening of bilateral friendship among generations of youth.
President Tsai also acknowledged the presence of student representatives from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines studying in Taiwan, emphasizing that their participation and engagement symbolize a hopeful future for the Taiwan-Saint Vincent friendship. She hoped for more young people to become witnesses and participants in the relationship between the two countries, injecting new vitality into bilateral cooperation and considering Taiwan as their second home.
President Tsai expressed her belief that with the joint efforts of Taiwan and Saint Vincent, they can not only respond to international changes but also create new opportunities in challenges together. In conclusion, she extended heartfelt blessings on behalf of the government and all Taiwanese people for the enduring friendship between the two countries, wishing good health, happiness, and prosperity to all the distinguished guests.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Embassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in Taiwan jointly held the “45th Anniversary Celebration of Diplomatic Relations between Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines” banquet on the evening of the 12th. According to the Central News Agency, during his speech, Prime Minister Friday mentioned that maintaining sincerity and consistency towards each other despite changes is the best proof of their friendship. He emphasized the steadfastness of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ support for Taiwan, expressing optimism for the continued growth of their relationship.
Prime Minister Friday, with a term of office of five years, expressed his hope for both countries to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in five years, fostering continued growth in their relationship. Increasingly, enterprises from Saint Vincent and Taiwan are creating business opportunities together, enriching both nations.
He also touched on Saint Vincent’s support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the international community, including the United Nations and its relevant organizations such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the World Health Organization, as well as participating as observers in the International Civil Aviation Organization and INTERPOL. Saint Vincent’s well-known steadfast support for Taiwan’s international role and recognition was acknowledged.
Prime Minister Friday mentioned the evolution of the relationship between Saint Vincent and Taiwan from friendship to partnership, celebrating each other’s successes and extending a helping hand during adversities like natural disasters. He expressed gratification that both countries have relied on each other in crucial moments and thanked Taiwan for standing with Saint Vincent over the past 45 years.
Dignitaries in attendance included Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Godwin Friday, Prime Minister’s wife Kathryn Ave Friday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Investment, and Diaspora Affairs Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, Attorney General Sarah Louise Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Joseph Wu, Deputy Minister of National Defense Chang Che-pang, Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi, Ambassador of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to Taiwan H.E. Inga Rhonda King, Ambassador of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Kenton X. Chance, and delegation leader and Ambassador of Saint Lucia to Taiwan Robert Kennedy Lewis, as well as representatives from various countries with missions in Taiwan.