St. Lucia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Hilaire, led a delegation to visit Taiwan and met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on the 3rd. Hilaire reiterated that St. Lucia will continue to collaborate with Taiwan as partners and friends, as both sides share common interests and values such as dignity, sovereignty, and human civilization progress.
President Tsai Ing-wen met with St. Lucia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture, and News, Hilaire (Ernest Hilaire), in the afternoon of the 3rd. In his speech, President Tsai welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Hilaire’s return visit to Taiwan. He recalled the in-depth discussions they had at the Presidential Office when Hilaire served as Vice President in 2023, which made their reunion particularly warm.
President Tsai expressed his delight in hosting the Minister of Commerce, Industry, Business Development, Cooperative Enterprise, and Consumer Affairs, Hippolyte, and the Minister of Equality, Social Justice, and Empowerment, Henry. He believed that through this visit, the esteemed guests of the delegation would gain a comprehensive understanding of Taiwan.
In recent years, Taiwan and St. Lucia have deepened cooperation in various fields such as agriculture, education, public health, and infrastructure, further strengthening the friendship between the two countries. Prime Minister Pierre has placed particular emphasis on education, talent development, and youth empowerment since taking office, aligning closely with Taiwan’s policy beliefs, highlighting that talent and the new generation are the foundation of national development and the most important investment in bilateral cooperation.
President Tsai mentioned the significant achievements in talent cultivation between Taiwan and St. Lucia. For instance, during the graduation ceremony at the Central Police University in June this year, he met a doctoral graduate from St. Lucia, hoping that he and other alumni studying in Taiwan can become crucial forces in advancing their home countries upon their return.
Furthermore, President Tsai introduced Taiwan’s initiatives of the “Youth Billion Overseas Dream Fund Plan” and the “Youth Exchange Dream Plan for Diplomatic Allies.” In the coming days, three Taiwanese youths will intern at St. Lucia government agencies, and by the end of this month, two St. Lucian youths will intern in agriculture and tourism in Taiwan.
President Tsai further emphasized that besides education and talent exchange, last month, the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation jointly launched an e-commerce platform with the St. Lucia Youth Economic Bureau. This not only marks a significant step in digitization but also helps St. Lucia’s youth enhance entrepreneurial opportunities and venture into the international market. From studying to interning, from professional training to digital cooperation, Taiwan is willing to share more experiences and join hands with St. Lucia on the global stage.
President Tsai also conveyed gratitude on behalf of the people of Taiwan to St. Lucia for consistently speaking up for Taiwan in various international forums and supporting Taiwan’s international participation. He looked forward to both countries continuing to explore diverse areas of cooperation for mutual prosperity and development, contributing more effort to global progress together.
Deputy Prime Minister Hilaire expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality from the people and government of Taiwan. He highlighted that Taiwan is not only a partner but also a sincere and steadfast friend of St. Lucia, with their relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared determination to advance national development.
Hilaire mentioned that St. Lucia will continue to support Taiwan’s vision for national independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty, advocating for Taiwan’s capacity to contribute substantively to the international system and jointly create a better future for all humanity in various international forums.
He pointed out that the Taiwan-St. Lucia friendship extends beyond diplomatic circles to the everyday lives of the people. Through small-scale community projects, Taiwan reaches various levels of St. Lucian society, improving livelihoods, providing more opportunities, and enhancing people’s quality of life in concrete and lasting ways.
Moreover, he cited Taiwan’s significant role in St. Lucia’s national development, with projects like the reconstruction of Hewanorra International Airport and St. Jude Hospital serving as excellent examples, shaping the development trajectory of future generations in St. Lucia.
Hilaire mentioned that in addition to infrastructure and community development, Taiwan’s goodwill is also fully reflected in interpersonal connections. Through education, agriculture, and cultural exchanges, the deep ties between Taiwan and St. Lucia are established, showcasing the true value of their partnership.
He stated that Taiwan’s ambassador to St. Lucia is highly respected, actively participating in local cultural celebrations and various projects, walking alongside the people of St. Lucia. Through such deep and sincere connections, Taiwan has become a paradigm of friendship that can bring about far-reaching impacts.
Deputy Prime Minister Hilaire extended sincere greetings on behalf of Prime Minister Pierre and reiterated St. Lucia’s commitment to continue collaborating with Taiwan as partners and friends, sharing common interests and values such as dignity, sovereignty, and the progress of human civilization. Lastly, he wished for the Taiwan-St. Lucia friendship to continue to flourish and for Taiwan’s resilience, innovation, and cultural heritage to shine brighter on the international stage.