Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of October 29, President Lai Ching-te welcomed Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and Ms. Marie Felix of Saint Lucia with full military honors. In remarks, President Lai said that in recent years, Taiwan and Saint Lucia have continued to deepen their cooperative partnership in such areas as education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth empowerment. He added that alongside the new chapter in military exchanges opened this year, this fully demonstrates the profound trust and friendship between the two nations. He expressed hope that this visit will generate even more mutually beneficial opportunities for bilateral cooperation as Taiwan and Saint Lucia join hands to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean regions.

The welcome ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. at the main plaza of the National Theater & Concert Hall of the National Performing Arts Center. President Lai and Prime Minister Pierre each delivered remarks after a 19-gun salute, the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, and a review of the military honor guard.

A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:

In April, the Republic of China Navy goodwill fleet made its historic first visit to Saint Lucia, where our personnel were warmly received by the Saint Lucian government and people. Today, I am delighted to greet Prime Minister Pierre and Ms. Felix with full military honors as they lead a delegation to Taiwan to further deepen our bilateral exchanges. On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I extend my most cordial welcome to our esteemed guests.

Over the years, Taiwan and Saint Lucia have continued to deepen our cooperative partnership in such areas as education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth empowerment. Alongside the new chapter in military exchanges opened this year, this fully demonstrates the profound trust and friendship between our two nations. In a short while, we will hold bilateral talks, in which we will engage in an in-depth exchange of views on strengthening bilateral cooperation and the international landscape. We look forward to this visit generating even more mutually beneficial opportunities for bilateral cooperation as we join hands to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean regions.

In closing, I once again welcome Prime Minister Pierre, Ms. Felix, and our distinguished guests. I wish you all a pleasant and successful visit. 

Prime Minister Pierre then delivered remarks, saying that the delegation’s presence in Taiwan is indicative of the strength and quality of the relationship that exists between the two countries — a relationship predicated upon mutual respect, collaboration, cooperation, and friendship. This is his fourth visit to the Republic of China (Taiwan), he said, and he has very fond memories of his three previous visits. 

Prime Minister Pierre noted that the Republic of China (Taiwan) continues to assist in Saint Lucia’s social and economic development. For more than two decades, he said, Taiwan has shown and expressed its friendship by providing assistance in almost all aspects of Saint Lucia’s development, and the sectors where that assistance has been most visible are agriculture, education, health, and business and entrepreneurial services. He noted that more than 400 Saint Lucians have benefited from scholarships provided by Taiwan, enabling them to pursue higher education, in concert with his government’s One University Graduate per Household policy. 

Prime Minister Pierre said that the mantra of his government is “Putting People First,” as it strives to make Saint Lucia one of the best places to live and work in the Caribbean. He said he is sure this visit will bear the desired fruits of enhancing and strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two countries. He then wished the Republic of China (Taiwan) continued prosperity in the future.

Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Lucia Ambassador Robert Kennedy Lewis and other members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.