Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip Pierre upon his arrival in Taiwan yesterday said he is looking forward to bolstering the friendship and economic ties between the two countries on his first official state visit.
Speaking to reporters at Taoyuan International Airport, Pierre, who is leading a delegation for a five-day visit, said the Caribbean country and Taiwan have been good friends for a long time.
“We respect each other’s freedoms, and we hope that developments can grow and our people can prosper, and we can benefit from the work that Taiwan does in Saint Lucia,” Pierre said.
Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via CNA
Conveying his country’s gratitude to Taiwan for what it does for Saint Lucia, Pierre said he hopes the bilateral friendship continues to prevail as his government strives to improve the quality of life for Saint Lucians.
Pierre said he looks forward to a “very successful trip” and hopes that “the bonds and our friendship can be strengthened between our two countries.”
The delegation was welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu (吳釗燮).
Pierre’s delegation includes Saint Lucian Minister of Education and Sustainable Development Shawn Edward, National Insurance Corporation chairman Evaristus Jn Marie and Saint Lucia Development Bank chairman Daryl Raymond.
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) is scheulded to hold a military salute to welcome Pierre.
Taiwan and Saint Lucia first established diplomatic relations in 1984, but the ties were broken in 1997 when the Caribbean country switched recognition from Taipei to Beijing.
The countries re-established diplomatic relations in 2007.
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