Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Dr. Lin Chia-lung and his delegation arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines Oct. 26 as part of his Latin American and Caribbean diplomatic tour.
Serving as President Lai Ching-te’s special envoy, Lin was received by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves at the airport. During his meeting with Governor-General Susan Dougan the same day, Lin presented a letter from Lai congratulating the ally on its 45th anniversary of independence and signed the guest book with the message, “R. O. C. (Taiwan) & St. Vincent and Grenadines, Everlasting Friendship!”
While attending a reception hosted by Prime Minister Gonsalves, Lin praised the success of bilateral projects in agriculture, information and communications technology, and public health since the two sides established a formal diplomatic relationship 43 years ago.
The strength of bilateral ties was also highlighted by the warm concern and reciprocal assistance offered after a strong earthquake hit Taiwan’s Hualien County in April and Hurricane Beryl devastated St. Vincent and the Grenadines in July, the minister said. Lin thanked the Caribbean ally for backing the country’s international participation, adding that the prime minister’s two speeches supporting Taiwan at this year’s U.N. General Assembly are especially appreciated by the government and people.
In addition to taking part in the ally’s Independence Day celebrations, Minister Lin attended the groundbreaking ceremony for “Arnos Vale Acute Care Hospital”, the opening of “Farmers’ Training Classroom and Chilling Room”, and a plaque unveiling at a goat and sheep breeding facility, adding that the outcomes are the result of joint projects with Taiwan.
Taiwan and the Caribbean ally share the same values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights and enjoy close collaboration in areas that also include food security, infrastructure development and women’s empowerment. (E)
