The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Terrance Drew arrived in Taiwan Monday for a visit that will include discussions with President Tsai-Ing (蔡英文) on bilateral cooperation projects, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Speaking at Taoyuan International Airport, Drew said Taiwan and St. Kitts were “friends and partners in international development,” adding that his four-day trip aimed to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two allies.
“We stand today under the solid platform of diplomatic engagement, which has resulted in practical and tangible solutions for many of the challenges we face as one of the smallest nations in the world,” said Drew, who was elected prime minister in August.
Drew, a former medical doctor, added his country would continue to lobby for Taiwan’s inclusion in international forums.
“We are convinced that Taiwan can make a contribution [and help] to solve some of the world’s most challenging problems,” he said.
“I am here to learn as much as I can from the Taiwanese experience in building its economy and exchange ideas and methods related to development, and cooperation, and thereby strengthen our bonds and friendship,” he said.
According to MOFA, President Tsai will hold a military salute to welcome Drew and his delegation.
Drew will also meet with Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), and pay visits to the Mainland Affairs Council, Environmental Protection Administration and National Health Insurance Administration, among others, it added.
Other members of Drew’s delegation include Foreign Minister Denzil Douglas, Premier of Nevis island Mark Brantley, Minister of Environment Joyelle Clarke, and Junior Minister for Youth Empowerment and Social Development, Gender Affairs, Aging and Disabilities, Isalean Phillip.
Drew was sworn in on Aug. 6, a day after his St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party won six of the 11 seats contested in the Aug. 5 general elections, defeating the former ruling coalition and regaining power for the first time since 2015.
Also Monday, Foreign Minister Wu accepted the copy of the credentials of Donya Lynex Francis, St. Kitts and Nevis’ new ambassador to Taiwan.
Francis earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degree during a six-year stint in Taiwan as a university student, according to MOFA.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel