Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of May 22, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis. In remarks, President Lai thanked the deputy prime minister for leading a delegation to Taiwan, which serves as a concrete testament to our two countries’ cherished friendship. Over the past several years, the president said, Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis have continued to enhance bilateral cooperation in such areas as education, healthcare, as well as youth and women’s empowerment, yielding fruitful results. The president expressed hope that our two countries will strengthen exchanges on issues related to renewable energy and climate change response so as to jointly implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:

I am delighted to once again meet with Deputy Prime Minister Hanley. Thank you for leading a delegation to attend my and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao’s inauguration ceremony, and share the joy of democracy. On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to extend my sincerest welcome to our distinguished guests.

Since Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis established diplomatic relations over 40 years ago, we have been democratic partners of great importance to each other. Deputy Prime Minister Hanley’s visit serves as a concrete testament to our two countries’ cherished friendship.

Over the past several years, our countries have continued to deepen cooperation in areas including education, healthcare, as well as youth and women’s empowerment, yielding fruitful results. Moving forward, I hope that our countries can strengthen exchanges on issues related to renewable energy and climate change response, working together to achieve the UN SDGs.

I would like to take this opportunity to offer special thanks to the government and National Assembly of St. Kitts and Nevis for supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations such as the UN and World Health Organization through numerous statements and resolutions, and continuing to call on the international community to give attention to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

I look forward to continuing to strengthen our cooperation, advance together, respond to challenges, and implement cooperative projects. I wish the delegation a smooth visit, and look forward to even more interactions and exchanges.

Deputy Prime Minister Hanley then delivered remarks, first congratulating President Lai on his election victory. The deputy prime minister said the delegation brought President Lai greetings from their honorable Prime Minister Terrance Drew and the entire government of St. Kitts and Nevis. Over the 40 years of our diplomatic relationship, he said, St. Kitts and Nevis has benefited immensely in various areas including education, health, youth development, and social development. And even as his country battles with climate change, he said, Taiwan has stepped in to offer assistance, and they are extremely grateful for Taiwan’s support over those many years.

As a minister with responsibility for education, Deputy Prime Minister Hanley said he is extremely grateful for the many opportunities that Taiwan has provided for the students from his country who are in Taiwan benefiting from scholarships. He then expressed gratitude for laptops that the Taiwan government donated to students in St. Kitts to make sure they are connected technologically. As his country promotes bilingualism, he said, they also look forward to further partnership with the Taiwan government on the possibility of providing lectures teaching Mandarin to students in St. Kitts.

As their federation continues to fight crime, he said, they are grateful for Taiwan’s many donations for their closed-circuit television system, and look forward to greater improvement to provide full street coverage. He said the St. Kitts government also believes in energy efficient homes that can withstand earthquakes and hurricanes, adding that his heart goes out to those who suffered as a result of the recent earthquake. He went on to say that he hopes the Taiwan government may consider assisting them in providing social housing and apartments in St. Kitts as part of their revitalization initiative in those communities.

Deputy Prime Minister Hanley closed his remarks by once again expressing sincere congratulations to President Lai, Vice President Hsiao, and the entire government on behalf of the government of St. Kitts and Nevis and their prime minister. They, he said, look forward to an even stronger relationship from here onwards. 

The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by St. Kitts and Nevis Ambassador Donya Lynex Francis.