SVG will continue to be advocate for Taiwan – Foreign Minister

This country’s Foreign Minister Camillo Gonsalves has pledged continued support by St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) for the Republic of China on Taiwan.{{more}}

Gonsalves, speaking at a reception Tuesday, to celebrate Taiwan’s National Day, which was officially observed yesterday, October 10, said that it is the intention of the Vincentian Government to continue being an advocate for Taiwan, as they seek to gain entry into a number of organisations within the United Nations.

According to the minister, SVG has been a staunch and unshakable ally of Taiwan.

He said that Taiwan had moved from being a developing state to become one of the leading and largest economies in the world.

“And a nation that has so much to teach all of us about development, discipline, progress and ultimately about friendship,” Gonsalves said.

The foreign minister added that he believes that Taiwan’s generosity had touched every corner of the country.

“When we were just a small nation, just finding our way in the exercise of our own sovereignty, Taiwan was there to hold our hand and we are grateful for that historically.

“We are extremely grateful for what you continue to do for us and we pledge, as we have always pledged to succeeding governments, that we will remain a staunch ally of Taiwan,” Gonsalves said.

He lauded the Taiwanese government for being able to turn the Taiwan Strait from a potential flash point for conflict into a peaceful and prosperous corridor in the Asia-Pacific region.

“So our own advocacy for Taiwan has changed its form and its shape and tone, but we continue to advocate strongly for you, for your participation in all organised bodies at the United Nations,” Gonsalves said.

He said that he was happy to see that the advocacy had made progress as Taiwan is now a member of the World Health Assembly (WHA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

“And we hope to see you in more organisations as our friend and partner.”

He said that it is unfortunate that St Vincent and the Grenadines, with a population of just over 100, 000 people, had its place in all these organisations, yet Taiwan with a population with over 20 million and with the 18th largest economy in the world, was still fighting to have its voice.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace also expressed continued support for Taiwan.

Eustace said that he was sure that the people were aware of the contribution that Taiwan has made to the development of the country.

Both political parties support the relationship with Taiwan, Eustace said – a trend that he said he hopes will continue in to the future.

“We have benefitted in many ways from Taiwan, but they have had some benefits too,” he said.

Eustace explained that he is pleased that this country had given support to Taiwan and took the lead in its contribution.

He said that the relationship between the two countries had moved from diplomatic to personal.

“I therefore want to say, that you can be assured of the support of our party,” the Leader of the Opposition said. (DD)