St. Kitts-Nevis, Taiwan- an example of symbiotic international relations
By VonDez Phipps
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan to St. Kitts-Nevis HE Ambassador Rong Chuan Wu
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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – “WE want to show the international community that the relations between Taiwan and St. Kitts-Nevis serve as the best example for international relations. Our long-lasting diplomatic tie serves to set a perfect example to our neighbouring countries that we are mutually enjoying the benefits of the relations.”
These were the sentiments of Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan to St. Kitts-Nevis HE Ambassador Rong Chuan Wu during a recent interview with SKNVibes.
Ambassador Wu informed that Taiwan formed a diplomatic relationship with the Federation in 1983 immediately after the nation had gained Independence, and has greatly assisted in four main areas: infrastructural projects, individual corporation projects, technical cooperation in agriculture and training programmes.
He explained that Taiwan has aided the country through infrastructural projects including the expansion of RLB International Airport, construction of Port Zante, Warner Park Stadium, community centres and a number of housing projects. Wu stated that although individual corporation projects were not undertaken 25 years ago, his government has implemented its Human Resource Programme through which scholarships, medical equipment and IT equipment were donated. ~~Adz:Right~~
“In the area of agriculture, we have done a wide array of things. We have assisted farmers in introducing different fruit species and increasing their productivity. We have transformed our focus from basic agriculture to horticulture, to food processing, to technical cooperation. We have also provided different kinds of training in agricultural management, small enterprise management, fruit and vegetable cultivation, media training, diplomatic training and medical training.
“Many persons say that Taiwan has done a lot for the Federation which has not done anything in return for Taiwan. However, it is critical to note that international cooperation can never be charged or measured by substantive figures. The Federation’s support for Taiwan’s freedom and democracy cannot be measured; we cannot compare our assistance to St. Kitts to the assistance they give to us.
“We enjoy the continued support that the Federation has given to us in addressing the international community in the last 25 years. Every year, your Foreign Affairs Minister lends his support on behalf of St. Kitts-Nevis for Taiwan to participate in the United Nations Assembly. Also your Minister of Health always advocates for us in the World Health Assembly in Geneva every year and we enjoy such support.”
The Ambassador projected that his government’s focus for the upcoming years includes increasing agricultural productivity, to help increase export and reduce import, and strengthening training with emphasis on various fields of management and technology. He opined that these two areas key to a country’s modernization and stressed that Taiwan and the Federation plan to partner to enjoy many more years of mutual benefit.
