TAIPEI, Taiwan — Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), Godwin Friday, was welcomed to Taiwan with full military honours as he began an official visit on Tuesday, marking his first inter-continental official visit since coming to office in November.
Friday, who is heading a nine-member delegation, was received at the airport by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-Lung.
The minister later hosted the prime minister and his delegation at a private luncheon, during which both sides exchanged ideas on deepening relations between the two countries as they celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations.
On Tuesday afternoon, the prime minister was treated to military honours at the Office of the President of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te and pledged to build on the 45-year relationship between Kingstown and Taipei.
“I will use every opportunity during my visit and in the years to come to do so,” Friday said and acknowledged that SVG had been independent for less than two years when it established diplomatic relations with Taiwan on Aug. 15, 1981.
“Over the years since, that initial act has blossomed into a deep and fruitful friendship. Indeed, I believe that St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Taiwan have become more than friends. We have become partners.
“We are partners in a world that is yet to enable Taiwan to contribute fully to international forums and in vital organisations,” Friday said.
“We are partners in a world where small island developing states still lack the necessary support to withstand the shocks of climate change, natural disasters and external economic shocks, such as we are enduring now as a result of global conflicts far from our shores.”
The prime minister said that over those 45 years, SVG and Taiwan have withstood challenges together, telling President Lai, “… the history between our countries gives us context, but it is not all that defines us”.
He said he came to Taiwan to celebrate with the president, to commemorate what has already been accomplished, and to share ideas and speak about what comes next.
“My government has set itself a straightforward yet demanding task in the current economic environment: to improve the lives of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. That is our mandate.
“It is a goal that requires partnership with a country that recognises that development must ultimately improve people’s lives. Taiwan has demonstrated exactly that. You have shown the world what is possible when innovation, enterprise and human talent are deliberately cultivated.”
Friday said that Taiwan has shown the impact it can have and is never limited by its scale.
“It is unlocked by the resourcefulness and talents of your people. And over the years you have shared that with us. Taiwan has been investing in our people for 45 years. Thank you for sharing that with us.”
The prime minister said that over those 45 years, SVG has furthered Taiwan’s interests in international communities, such as the United Nations and its specialised agencies, as well as in international organisations such as INTERPOL.
“We will continue to do so and we hope to do more,” he pledged.
He said his government has identified four key sectors of the economy of SVG for immediate investment: agriculture, tourism, the blue economy, which includes fisheries, marinas and other maritime resources, and the new economy, which includes sports, creative industries, entertainment and information technology.
“St. Vincent and the Grenadines welcomes investors in every sector, but particularly in those I just outlined. We are a small country. A little investment can go a long way to creating more opportunities and providing good jobs for our people. Like you, our size or starting point does not limit our goals to make life better for people.”
He said that SVG has talented people, extraordinary natural beauty and other assets, a strategic place in the Caribbean, and a government determined to create the conditions in which investments succeed, businesses do well and its people prosper.
The prime minister continued:
“President Lai, 45 years ago, those who came before us made the decision to begin this journey together. We are the beneficiaries of that decision. But we are also its custodians. What we do now will determine what this relationship means to the Vincentian and Taiwanese children who will inherit it. That is the responsibility of leadership: to honour what we inherit but never to be satisfied with simply preserving it. We must leave it stronger, more meaningful and more useful for those who come after.
“That is the spirit in which I come to Taiwan. I come as Prime Minister of a proud and generous people, representing a new Government that, notwithstanding our current difficulties, has great ambitions for our country.
“I come as a friend, but I am ready to work with you to write the next chapter of this 45-year relationship. I am prepared for partnership.
“Mr President, on behalf of the Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, thank you for receiving us with such warmth and distinction. I look forward to what our countries will accomplish together, for it will be honourable and beautiful.”
After the honour ceremony, President Lai and Prime Minister Friday held bilateral discussions to deepen relations between the two countries.
President Lai later held a state banquet in honour of the prime minister and his delegation.
The evening ended with the delegation visiting Shilin Night Market, which the prime minister said was an indication of what Middle Street, Kingstown could be.
The other members of the delegation are: the Prime Minister’s wife, Mrs. Ave Friday; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investments and Diaspora Affairs, Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble; Attorney General Hon. Louise Mitchell; 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.
The delegation is being supported by SVG Ambassador to Taiwan, Kenton X. Chance and his wife, Mrs Symantha Chance and the SVG Embassy in Taiwan.
The prime minister and his delegation are scheduled to return to SVG on Aug. 16.