Published 11 November 2022
Basseterre
Buckie Got It, St Kitts and Nevis News Source
Credit: www.sknnewssource.com
FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER DR. DENZIL DOUGLAS HAS A CRYSTAL-CLEAR VISION of where he thinks diplomatic ties between St Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan must proceed.
“As we take our bilateral relationship into its fourth decade, I would wish for us to seriously consider placing a sharper focus on initiatives geared toward promoting trade and investment at the government-to-public-private partnership levels,” he offered while on a just-concluded state visit to Taipei.
Basseterre and Taipei established ties in 1983 a mere weeks after the former cut colonial ties with Britain, making the latter the first post-independent partner.
“St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan) have established a strong bilateral relationship for nigh four decades. I have had the good fortune and privilege to shape the contours of our bilateral engagement for the 20 years of my service as Prime Minister,” said Douglas, who also holds the International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Economic Development and Investment Ministry portfolios in the three-month-old Terrance Drew administration.
The ruby celebration of diplomatic friendship between the Asian and Caribbean territories slated for September 2023 will find a “rock solid” relationship still intact Douglas boasted while reminiscing at a dinner hosted by His Excellency. Dr. Jaushieh Joseph Wu, Republic of China (Taiwan) Foreign Affairs Minister.
“I can, therefore, attest to the immense value derived by both countries from this rock-solid relationship, which we have engendered, one which is based on a formidable platform built by values we share, values such as the promotion of democracy, good governance, respect for human rights, and the rule of law,” Douglas emphasised.
He said the enormous geographical expanse between the two countries is not hindrance to them “working closely together to uphold our shared values or strengthen our mutually beneficial relationship yielding tangible and intangible outcomes.”
Basseterre and Taipei are 15,295 Km or 9,504 miles apart.
Douglas reflected on his country’s 50 years developing a strong manufacturing sector with electronic and electrical parts and components exported to the United States and the European Union.
“Our workers in this sector are highly skilled and ready to work! We are convinced that the continued growth and development of our manufacturing sector will redound to the further growth and expansion of our economy,” Douglas explained.
He appealed for opportunities to “promote dialogues among small and medium-sized enterprises” between St. Kitts and Nevis and ROC (Taiwan) explaining this will “increase and strengthen the bonds of friendship and deepen the level of integration.”
Dr Douglas was part of his country’s delegation which wrapped up its four-day stay in Taipei with prime minister Dr Terrance Drew heading the 10-person team.
The team returns home today.
