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| President of the Republic of Chian (Taiwan) His Excellency Chen Shui-bian(r) accompnaied by St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas, insepct the Guard of Honour. |
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| President of the Republic of Chian (Taiwan) His Excellency Chen Shui-bian shakes hands with flag waving school children at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.
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BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 27TH 2005 President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Chen Shui-bian Tuesday afternoon said the relations with St. Kitts and Nevis is strong and praised the outstanding leadership of St. Kitts and Nevis Governor General, His Excellency Dr. Sir Cuthbert Sebastian and Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas, for the economic strides that have resulted an improvement of the quality of life of the people in the twin-island Federation.
President Chen, who received a red carpet welcome and a Guard of Honour, was greeted by Prime Minister Douglas and flag-waving school children at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.
After being accorded the General Salute and Inspecting the Guard of Honour made up of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, the Coast Guard and the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, Prime Minister Douglas in brief welcome remarks said President Chens visit provides another opportunity for our countries to strengthen our relations and to renew our commitment to the progress of our countries.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, our countries have worked diligently to support our common interests. Certainly, the shared experience of the development of Taiwan has been of tremendous benefit to St. Kitts and Nevis, said Prime Minister Douglas, who assured President Chen, that the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis remain committed to our shared ideals, common values and the interests of our peoples.
I wish to thank you for taking the time to visit with us as our countries continue to work together to fulfill the aspirations of our people, said Prime Minister Douglas.
President Chen said the visit is not just a first to St. Kitts and Nevis, but also the first by an incumbent President of Taiwan since both countries established diplomatic relations 22 years ago.
He said the visit signifies a new milestone in the diplomatic relations between St. Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan.
President Chen pointed out that he has met Governor General Sebastian and Prime Minister Douglas on several occasions in Taipei and was very happy to accept their invitations to visit St. Kitts and Nevis.
He said the most recent visit to Taipei by Prime Minister Douglas last June provided a wonderful opportunity exchange views on issues of mutual concerns.
In just three short months, I have this opportunity to see my old friends here and I very happy and excited today to visit my old friends homeland the Twin-Island Paradise in the Caribbean, said President Chen, adding: It is truly a dream come true.
He noted that as island nations, Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis face similar challenges due to unpredictable natural elements and changes in the environment and both must rely on the resources of their territories within restricted conditions to strive for continued existence and seek the greatest possibilities for development.
Under the impact of globalisation, countries around the globe are facing issues of regional integration and challenges from the international competition. Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis are of course no exception, said President Chen.
He said that as St. Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan embark on our respective tasks to nation building, we have encountered different opportunities and experienced different tribulations.
Yes, Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis have over the years cultured a most genuine fraternal relations. Not only have our bilateral ties are steadfast and transcend the geographical distances between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, but it is an ardent and genuine friendship between our two peoples that will continue to grow, said President Chen.
He said that the growth in relations form the cornerstone anchored in the fraternal relationship of both nations. It was true in the past and will remain true in the future.
President Chen said that he was fully aware that in the coming years St. Kitts and Nevis is currently undergoing transformation and under the outstanding leadership of Governor General Sebastian and Prime Minister Douglas, the economy has improved steadily, demonstrating its great development and potential.
As a result, the peoples livelihood have improved as well, said the visiting President, who in conclusion pointed out that for years Taiwan has remained an staunch ally of St. Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan looks forward to sharing with our experience in economic transformation and stands ready to provide whatever assistance is possible.
