August 20th, 2015 -- On a five-day visit to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Prime Minister, Dr. the Honorable Timothy Harris, used the opportunity tohighlight the long-standing bilateral ties between the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan).
While discussing ideas and avenues for further cooperation with Taiwan’sMinister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. David Lin, Dr Harris emphasized that the friendship between both countries “pre-dates our Independence and it has certainly stood the test of time, being built on the pillars of trust and genuine allegiance in the interest of our mutual development on local, regional and international stages."
The Honorable Prime Minister also expressed his government’s appreciation to the Government and people of Taiwan for their partnership over the years, which enabled the Federation to make significant progress as a developing nation. He said:
“Evidence of this fraternity is scattered throughout the island, from the Government Headquarters' Solar Power Project and the Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw airport Solar Farm, to the L.E.D Lighting project and beautiful Eco-Park, just to name a few”. Prime Minister Harris made special mention of the stunningly beautiful Eco-Park which as he suggested “is fast becoming an eclectic addition to our tourism product, the likes of which is a novelty to member states in the OECS”.
In discussing future collaborative projects, Prime Minister Harris mentioned plans for expanding cooperation in the fields of health care and alternative energy. The Prime Minister identified Cathay General Hospital, which is considered among the top health care facilities in Taiwan, and which has a track record of international cooperation, as a possible partner to achieve this goal.
Foreign Minister Lin supported Prime Minister Harris’ suggestion to expand the health sector cooperation projects. He added that the Dean of the Cathay General Hospital had, at a ceremony held earlier that day, been awarded a Friendship Medal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their promotion of Taiwan’s soft power and international cooperation through their outreach and services in many countries with which Taiwan has diplomatic relations. Minister Lin further mentioned that Taiwan would be sending a medical mission to the Federation in September to further develop strategies for future cooperation in the area of health care.
In his remarks at a special dinner hosted by the Foreign Minister for Prime Minister Harris later that evening, Minister Lin reaffirmed his support for the suggestions of Prime Minister Harris, by stating “I firmly believe that the exchanges between our highest ranking officials are some of the best ways to promote our bilateral cooperation and interests…I also believe that there are a few other areas in which we could further cooperate…” Minister Lin also thanked the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis for its past support and entreated Prime Minister Harris to use upcoming international platforms to inform other countries of Taiwan’s desire to constructively engage the international community.
Prime Minister Harris' official visit to Taiwan continues tomorrow when he will be the special guest of President of the Republic of China, Ma Ying-jeou.
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