President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) yesterday received outgoing Saint Kitts and Nevis Ambassador Jasmine Huggins, thanking her for her outstanding contributions toward deepening relations between the two allies.
Tsai praised Huggins as an experienced diplomat, saying her 12 years as her country’s envoy to Taiwan, after serving two years in the US, made her the longest-serving ambassador stationed in Taipei.
Huggins is very familiar with Taiwan’s situation, Tsai said, adding that Taiwanese are sad to see her go.
Photo: CNA
Huggins has worked toward deepening the relations between the countries since 2010, attending many cultural events — including lantern festivals and Caribbean food shows, she said.
The Saint Kitts and Nevis envoy also participated in other events, such as an International Women’s Day banquet hosted by Huggins and Australian Representative to Taiwan Jenny Bloomfield, and the Women’s Power Night event in March, where she made the “impressive” opening remarks, Tsai said.
Huggins’ involvement in local affairs, such as throwing the first pitch for many professional baseball games, has created more opportunities for people from the two countries to interact, she said.
Tsai said Huggins’ efforts have led to an even stronger friendship between the two countries and served as an inspiration for all women seeking to participate in public affairs and politics.
Huggins and the Saint Kitts and Nevis government has tirelessly supported Taiwan’s sovereignty on the international stage, especially at times when the nation’s efforts are unjustly challenged by authoritarian forces, Tsai said.
“Democratic countries must demonstrate stronger unity and solidarity with each other,” she said, thanking the envoy for her efforts in this field.
Tsai said the two countries would continue to deepen mutually beneficial collaboration on the solid foundation that Huggins has built.
Huggins thanked Tsai and Taiwanese for their assistance to her country.
Taiwan has always supported Saint Kitts and Nevis since it gained independence in 1983, and has been a willing and capable partner and a good friend, Huggins said.
The two countries uphold democracy and rule of law, and respect the dignity of every individual, she said, adding that these shared values are a strong foundation on which their friendship is built and can be further solidified.
Huggins said she hopes the friendship based on shared values between Saint Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan would continue after she leaves office.
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