Deputy PM leads high level delegation to ROC (Taiwan)

A HIGH LEVEL delegation from St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) headed by Sir Louis Straker, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce visited the Republic of China (Taiwan) recently.

The team included: Lady Lynda Straker, wife of Sir Louis; St Clair Prince, Minister of Education, Reconciliation and Ecclesiastical Affairs; Naomi Dasilva-Prince, wife of St Clair Prince; Sandy Peters-Phillips, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce; and Annette Mark, Executive Director Invest SVG.

The purpose of the visit was to build on the excellent relations between SVG and Taiwan and to explore additional opportunities for training, trade and investment between both countries.

While in Taiwan, the delegation met with TsaiIng-wen, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan); Dr Jaushieh Joseph Wu, Foreign Minister of the Republic of China (Taiwan); and Pan Wen-ghung, Minister of Education. The delegation also visited the External and Trade Development Council and the Kaiping Culinary School.

During meeting with the Taiwanese President there were discussions on increasing opportunities for Vincentians to study in Taiwan. Subsequently in meeting with the Foreign Minister of Taiwan, Dr Jaushieh Joseph Wu, both sides discussed enhancing co-operation in education particularly securing more scholarships for Vincentians and increasing support in the area of vocational and technical education. Additionally, further support was requested from Taiwan toward the Zero Hunger Initiative which aims at achieving some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to hunger and poverty.

In addition to the bilateral discussions, Sir Louis received the Medal of Honour for the Parliamentary Diplomacy – Order of the Brilliant Star, for his commitment and involvement in strengthening ties and expanding exchanges between the two countries.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1981, SVG and Taiwan have forged fraternal bonds and strong co-operation mechanism in various areas of national interest.

Deputy Prime Minister Sir Louis Straker and wife Lady Lynda Straker (left), sharing toast with Foreign Minister of Taiwan, Dr Jaushieh Joseph Wu and President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) TsaiIng-wen,