Taiwan President 賴清德 was visited today by Prime Minister Terrance Drew of the Republic of Saint Christopher and Nevis, a friendly nation of the Republic of China. Drew expressed, “Our shared experiences and values bind our two countries together, and we look forward to continuing to work hand in hand in creating growth and prosperity for our peoples.”
In a grand military ceremony, President 賴清德 warmly welcomed Prime Minister Terrance Drew and Lady Drew today (the 24th). The welcome ceremony took place at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Presidential Office, featuring 19-gun salutes, national anthems, and a parade inspection, followed by speeches from President 賴清德 and Prime Minister Drew.
Following the military ceremony, President 賴清德, along with Vice President 蕭美琴, held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Drew. President 賴清德 expressed gratitude for the long-standing support of Saint Christopher and Nevis in Taiwan’s international engagements, and looked forward to further strengthening cooperation in various areas such as public health, agricultural technology, and women’s empowerment for a better future for both countries.
Prime Minister Drew stated during his speech that he was honored and thrilled to be on stage with President 賴, emphasizing the resilient democracy of Taiwan reflected in his election victory. He congratulated President 賴 and the Democratic Progressive Party on their success in the recent election.
Drew highlighted the stable friendship between Saint Christopher and Nevis and Taiwan over the past forty years, built on democratic principles, mutual respect, and shared values. He mentioned the milestone of cooperation in the construction of JNF Climate Smart Hospital in the capital city of Christophe, aiming to redefine healthcare quality and accessibility in the Caribbean region.
The Prime Minister noted the significant role of Overseas Engineering Construction Company (OECC) from Taiwan in the collaboration between the two countries, especially in supporting the hospital project. He expressed confidence in the project’s successful completion under President 賴’s leadership.
In addition to healthcare, both countries continued to promote cooperation in education, renewable energy, and technology, with Taiwan’s assistance in Saint Christopher and Nevis’ goal of becoming a sustainable island nation. Prime Minister Drew thanked Taiwan for its support in providing medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as for advocating for Taiwan’s international participation.
Education and healthcare were emphasized as vital pillars of collaboration between the two nations by Prime Minister Drew, who appreciated Taiwan’s scholarships and training programs for empowering young people in Saint Christopher and Nevis. The ambassador to Taiwan, Donya Francis, is a graduate of higher education in Taiwan, showcasing the enhancement of talent development in the bilateral relationship.
Prime Minister Drew supported Taiwan’s international engagement and acknowledged its significant contributions on the global stage, emphasizing the potential for Taiwan to provide solutions to current international challenges.
The visiting delegation also included Minister of Defense Mark Brantley from the opposition party in Saint Christopher and Nevis, demonstrating the country’s unified support for Taiwan. They reiterated the desire to continue hand in hand for the growth and prosperity of both nations.
President 賴 expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Drew for sending Vice Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley and Attorney General Garth Wilkin to Taiwan for his and Vice President 蕭美琴’s inauguration ceremony last month, demonstrating their support for Taiwan.
He also thanked Saint Christopher and Nevis for their long-standing support in Taiwan’s international engagements, such as Prime Minister Drew’s advocacy for Taiwan at the United Nations General Assembly last September. This year, the Federation passed a resolution supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, emphasizing mutual support between the two countries on global issues.
Facing the challenges of the post-pandemic era, President 賴 recently announced the establishment of the “Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee” to create a healthier Taiwan. He reiterated the commitment to advancing public health in Taiwan and sharing its experiences and strengths with the world.
“Prime Minister Drew and I share a medical background and look forward to collaborating for the advancement of public health in both countries, promoting the well-being of our peoples,” President 賴 said.
President 賴 mentioned that in addition to public health, both countries would continue to strengthen cooperation in areas such as agricultural technology and women’s empowerment, striving to create a brighter future together.
The visiting delegation members today also included Prime Minister’s Lady Diani Prince-Drew, Minister of Foreign Affairs Denzil Douglas, Opposition Leader Mark Brantley, Cabinet Secretary Marcus Natta, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs 林佳龍, Ambassador to Saint Christopher and Nevis 林昭宏, and Ambassador to Taiwan Donya Francis, who all came to the Presidential Office to meet with President 賴, with Presidential Office Secretary 潘孟安 also in attendance.