PM Gonsalves returns from Taiwan

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves returned to the State Wednesday evening, after an official visit to the Republic of China, Taiwan with stops in England and France.{{more}}

Dr Gonsalves left the state on Wednesday, May 16, to attend the second term inauguration of Dr Ma Ying-jeou as the President of Taiwan.

The Prime Minister and his five-member delegation, which included his wife Eloise Gonsalves, Press Secretary Hans King, Sergeant Benzyl Samuel, Photographer Reynold ‘Lance’ Neverson and Nurse Jacqueline Browne-King, arrived in Taipei on Friday, May 18 and met with Vincentian students studying in Taiwan the following day.

During the meeting with the Vincentian students, Prime Minister Gonsalves updated them on the progress of the work on the international airport project at Argyle. He also told the students that there are employment opportunities at home and in the rest of the region and urged them not to be afraid to take chances and risk. The Prime Minister also updated them on the proposed new city at E.T. Joshua Airport in Arnos Vale, noting that “this is not a pipe dream.” Students were also briefed on the proposed new port for capital Kingstown, as well as several other projects.

On May 20, Prime Minister Gonsalves and the delegation attended the swearing-in ceremony of President Ma and the Prime Minister was among several world leaders who extended congratulations to the President on his second term. The following day, Prime Minister Gonsalves met with President Ma and both leaders discussed the further cooperation between both countries. Among the issues proposed by President Ma was a solar power project which Taiwan is already collaborating on with its African allies. President Ma also thanked Prime Minister Gonsalves for his continued vocal support for Taiwan in the international arena. In his response, PM Gonsalves thanked President Ma for Taiwan’s “immense contribution to our development.” He highlighted the international airport project and reminded President Ma of Taiwan’s commitment to consider further assistance for any increase in construction cost for the terminal building.

Monday’s meeting with President Ma was followed in the afternoon by a speech by Prime Minister Gonsalves to students of the Department of Diplomacy at the National Chengchi University, one of the top universities in Taiwan.

Prime Minister Gonsalves and his delegation departed Taiwan on May 23. Three members of the delegation: King, Samuel and Neverson returned to the state while PM Gonsalves, Mrs. Gonsalves and Nurse Browne-King remained in England.