Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip Pierre and President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) yesterday met in Taipei to discuss possible cooperation on tackling climate change and other challenges.
The leaders talked about the international situation and issues of mutual concern, including climate change and the youth economy, Tsai said.
Tsai greeted Pierre and his delegation with a military salute ahead of the meeting.
Photo: Liao Chen-hui, Taipei Times
Pierre, who arrived in Taiwan on Monday for a five-day visit, said the effects of pandemics and climate change have encouraged nations to re-examine their paths and seek new solutions.
Describing climate change as a shared crisis that threatens the survival of Saint Lucia and Taiwan, Pierre called for cooperation between the two nations to address it.
“We must cooperate to advance the cause for loss and damage agreements to be honored by those primarily responsible,” he said, without elaborating.
Pierre also thanked Taiwan’s government and people for “timely” humanitarian aid when the Caribbean nation faced challenges such as COVID-19 and natural disasters.
Taiwan has been a true and dear friend of Saint Lucia amid global volatility and uncertainty, he said.
“We are grateful for and look forward to your continued and even increased support for some of our national developmental ambitions, whether these be in areas of education, agriculture, youth economy, housing assistance, digital transformation or crime management systems,” he added.
Pierre said Saint Lucia would continue to “champion and support the meaningful participation of Taiwan in the organs and agencies of the United Nations and other international agencies.”
“My country will continue to, at every opportunity, reaffirm its belief in respecting the territorial integrity of nations, and the observance of international rules on the peaceful settlement of disputes and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries,” he said.
Tsai said she looks forward to seeing Taiwan and Saint Lucia further “strengthen exchanges and cooperation across all domains,” adding that the two countries should jointly seize opportunities amid a global economic recovery.
“I firmly believe that Taiwan and Saint Lucia will continue to deepen their partnership in the spirit of mutual assistance,” Tsai said.
It is Pierre’s first official visit to Taiwan since assuming office in July last year. The prime minister is also scheduled to meet with Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) and Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.
The delegation would also travel to Kaohsiung, where they are to visit the Kaohsiung City Government and the National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, the ministry said.
The delegation includes Shawn Edward, Saint Lucia’s minister of education, sustainable development, innovation, science, technology and vocational training; National Insurance Corp chair Evaristus Jn Marie; and Saint Lucia Development Bank chairman Daryl Raymond, it said.
Taiwan and Saint Lucia first established diplomatic relations in 1984, but ties were severed in 1997 when the Caribbean country switched recognition to Beijing.
Taiwan and Saint Lucia re-established diplomatic relations in April 2007. China consequently severed formal ties with the latter.
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