Saint Kitts and Nevis would continue to advocate for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, such as the WHO and the International Civil Aviation Organization, the country’s ambassador to Taiwan has said.
Saint Kitts and Nevis Ambassador Donya Francis this week said the strong ties forged following the country’s independence from the UK in 1983 meant the Caribbean nation could not “leave Taiwan out” of the international community.
“Any international organization that we can get Taiwan to be a part of, we are going to always voice our support for Taiwan,” Francis said.
Photo: CNA
“Saint Kitts and Nevis is small, but it’s one of Taiwan’s best friends. We have been one of Taiwan’s best friends for 40 years and I believe we [will] get 40 more years, there’s no question about that,” he said.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Caribbean country’s independence, Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew has invited President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), senior ministers and an honor guard to attend the celebrations in Basseterre, he added.
Francis, who holds a bachelor’s degree from Ming Chuan University and a master’s degree from Taipei Medical University, also played up economic and educational ties between Taiwan and his nation.
Taiwan has established a presence in Saint Kitts and Nevis through cultural exchanges and scholarships, as well as the areas of agro-processing and solar panel production, Francis said.
Taiwanese businesses, such as solar solution provider SpeedTech, have set up plants in his country, he added.
On a personal note, Francis recalled a Ministry of Education-sponsored homestay program he took part in during his time as a student in Taiwan.
Francis said the welcome he received from his “Taiwanese mom” and his host family “really touched my heart, and that’s why I keep on saying I’m Taiwanese — because I have a whole family here.”
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