Prime Minister Godwin Friday is leading a delegation on an official visit to Taiwan as the two countries mark 45 years of diplomatic relations.
The Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement that the prime minister is expected to depart SVG later on Sunday and arrive in Taipei on Tuesday (local time).
Friday will be formally received with military honours and will participate in events commemorating the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and Taiwan, which were established on Aug. 15, 1981.
The release said a major highlight of the visit will be an audience with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, during which the two leaders will discuss the longstanding relationship between the two countries and opportunities to deepen cooperation.
Another highlight will be a luncheon of the prime minister’s delegation and the Vincentian community in Taiwan, during which the prime minister will deliver the featured address and respond to questions from the Vincentian diaspora in Taiwan, the release said.
The visit will have a strong economic focus, including an investor roundtable bringing together the Vincentian delegation and prospective Taiwanese investors.
Friday and his delegation will also undertake a series of official engagements focused on agriculture, the blue economy, technology, sustainable development and other areas aligned with the priorities of the SVG government for economic growth and job creation.
The prime minister said the visit presents an opportunity to honour a friendship that has spanned almost the entire existence of SVG as an independent nation, while giving renewed attention to what the relationship can deliver in the years ahead.
SVG gained independence from Britain on Oct. 27, 1979.
“Forty-five years is an important milestone, but this visit is also about looking forward,” the prime minister said in the press release.
“We value the friendship that has developed between our countries, and we now have an opportunity to build on that foundation in ways that create greater opportunities for our people and support the development of St Vincent and the Grenadines.”
The other members of the delegation are: the Prime Minister’s wife, Mrs. Ave Friday; Attorney General Hon. Louise Mitchell; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investments and Diaspora Affairs, Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble; Ambassador for Finance, Climate and Investment, Ambassador Kevin Hope; Press Secretary Danielle Veira; Research Officer Addison Thomas; and Close Protection Officers Corporal of Police Desrick Quashie and Police Constable Twana Da Silva.
Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock will act as prime minister in Friday’s absence.
The prime minister and his delegation are expected to return to SVG on Aug. 16.