SVG, Republic of China on Taiwan celebrate the inauguration of Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou

The diplomatic relationship between St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of China on Taiwan was the toast of the party,{{more}} as citizens of both countries gathered together to celebrate the inauguration of Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou and Vice President Wu Den-yih, for their second term.

Past and present Parliamentarians, along with friends and well wishers of the Taiwanese government, gathered at the Grenadine House in Kingstown Park to offer congratulatory remarks to President Ma, through his ambassador to St Vincent and the Grenadines Weber Shih.

President Ma was sworn in as the 13th term president on May 20, after earning a second term in office, by winning 51.6% of the votes in the 2012 elections.

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sir Louis Straker, in paying tribute to Ma, said that it was no strange coincidence that the citizens of the two allies had seen it fit to return the governments of their respective countries, in order to continue the economic policies of their respective countries and to promote peace and prosperity.

Straker pointed out that Taiwan has seen it fit to maintain a strong and generous hand to its allies, despite its own internal problems.

“We have never made a request to the government of Taiwan that they have not gone out of their way in order to assist us to realizing our dreams.”

“That is why, wherever we go, whatever we have to say, our voice in the international area, is the voice for Taiwan when it cannot be there….

Also congratulating President Ma was Opposition Parliamentarian Major St Clair Leacock, who saluted the president and his new vice president, by reiterating the Opposition’s strong and irrevocable support for the people of Taiwan.

“We wish you good health, good strength, continued growth and competitiveness in the national community, and we ask only that you work even more closely with our determined people, committed to a better international community.”

During his presentation, Foreign Minister Dr Douglas Slater said that he believed that the ongoing support given to Taiwan by this country in the international arena shows that the country is ready to be an equal partner on the international stage.

“I wish therefore, on behalf of the government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, to thank you for many years of successful relationship and may they continue to improve and be transformed to our mutual benefits.”

Ambassador Shih, addressing the gathering, thanked the government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines for their international support over the years, by being a leading voice to advocate Taiwan’s international participation.

He reiterated that the relationship between the countries will continue to grow.

“Since diplomatic relations was established between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and St Vincent and the Grenadines in 1981, our friendship, based on the shared lofty values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights, has become ever stronger and the cooperation has been bearing juicy fruits in a wide range of projects.

My colleagues and I look forward to working hand in hand with the government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, and pledge excellence in service as striving to further enhance the existing cooperation and consolidate the cordial relations between the two countries.”

Ambassador Shih pointed out that under the leadership of President Ma, Taiwan intends to continue to deepen its roots in the region, so that it can play a constructive role as a peacemaker, a provider of humanitarian aid and a standard bearer of Chinese culture in the international arena.

President Ma’s inauguration in Taiwan was attended by a delegation from St Vincent and the Grenadines, which included Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and his wife Eloise.(JJ)