Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) lauded the deep friendship between Taiwan and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) on Tuesday, a few days ahead of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Both governments will celebrate the day, which falls on Aug. 15, with a series of activities signifying a desire to deepen their close cooperation in many fields, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said in a statement.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) established diplomatic relations with St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Aug. 15, 1981.
According to MOFA, the ROC Embassy in SVG is holding a photo exhibit from Aug. 9-16 in Kingstown, featuring 100 historical photos and materials depicting the fruitful bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas such as technology, scholarship and exchange of talents.
The opening ceremony of the exhibit was broadcast live locally and attended by SVG Governor-General Susan Dougan, MOFA said.
“SVG is an important ally of Taiwan in the Caribbean region. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges on economic recovery, both countries will work hand in hand to deepen their partnership and to pursue peace and prosperity in the region,” the statement said.
In a video shared by MOFA on social media, Wu cited the Rabacca Bridge, completed in 2007; Argyle International Airport, opened in 2017; and scholarships for Vincentians in Taiwan as some of the projects that demonstrate the close cooperation between the two countries.
Wu also cited cooperation between the two countries in combating the pandemic, and Taiwan’s assistance to SVG after the eruption of La Soufrière Volcano in April as further examples of deepening relations.
Meanwhile, SVG Ambassador to Taiwan Andrea Bowman noted on the embassy’s Facebook page that aside from the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the embassy also celebrates its 2nd anniversary on Aug. 8.
She announced that the eight-day period from Aug. 8-15 would be used to celebrate these two milestones through the presentation of videos on social media from individuals and agencies that have been pivotal in the 40 year journey of the two countries.
In a video posted on the embassy’s Facebook page on August 8, SVG Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said Vincentians appreciate the partnership with the Taiwan people, whom he described as “steadfast friends.”
“Happy 40th anniversary, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Taiwan. Let’s have another 40 years of successful, warm and friendly relations,” Gonsalves said.
