Taipei, Oct. 20 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian met with visiting Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves Wednesday to discuss how to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Noting that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has been one of Taiwan's staunchest diplomatic allies in the East Caribbean, Chen said relations between the two countries have been cordial since they forged formal ties in 1981.
In the future, Chen said, he hopes the two countries can cooperate even closer in trade, investment, cultural development and civilian exchanges.
Chen also expressed his gratitude for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' firm support for Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
For his part, Gonsalves said his country is grateful for Taiwan's long-term assistance in its agricultural development and infrastructure construction.
Gonsalves said one of the main purposes of his current visit is to push for the establishment of a Taiwan-Saint Vincent trade and economic cooperation promotion association with a view to attracting more Taiwan business groups to invest in his country.
This is Gonsalves' third visit to Taiwan since he assumed his current post. Gonsalves said he looks forward to seeing commercial exchanges and investment from Taiwan increase significantly in the years to come.