Taipei: Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Sunday welcomed a recent pledge made by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' new prime minister, Godwin Friday, that his government would maintain diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan).

According to Focus Taiwan, Friday, who assumed office in late November 2025 as the Caribbean ally's leader, made the affirmation during a radio interview. The interview was highlighted in a report by the Vincentian Newspaper on January 2. In the interview, Friday stated, "Our diplomatic relations with Taiwan remain, as do our relations with all countries with which we have diplomatic ties." He further clarified, "We have not changed our position with respect to any country," speaking on Boom 106.9 FM, as reported by the Vincentian.

Friday also provided reassurance to Vincentian students studying in Taiwan, many of whom benefit from scholarships provided by Taiwan's government, confirming that their educational pursuits would remain unaffected.

Asked to comment on Friday's remarks, MOFA expressed its welcome and appreciation for the SVG leader's commitment to uphold his country's long-standing relations with Taiwan. Since taking office on November 28, Friday has consistently affirmed SVG's diplomatic ties with Taiwan, maintaining close interactions with Taiwan's embassy. MOFA also emphasized its intention to continue close communications with the SVG government, aiming to deepen bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both nations.

The Republic of China (Taiwan) and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines established diplomatic relations in 1981. Although Friday's New Democratic Party (NDP) has previously suggested the possibility of switching recognition from Taipei to Beijing, he did not address this issue publicly during his campaign. Friday was sworn in after the NDP secured 14 of the 15 parliamentary seats in last November's general election, a victory that ended Unity Labor Party leader Ralph Gonsalves' 24-year tenure.