Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas made this bold statement on Sunday night, 3rd February, 2013, during an official dinner to welcome to St. Kitts and Nevis, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan, Mr. David Lin.
Douglas told the gathering that Taiwan has been a true friend to his country and this has been demonstrated over the years in various ways, including through support for education, technology and economic development generally.
The Prime Minister gave the assurance that where Taiwan does not have a voice in the international community, they can always rely on the voice of St. Kitts and Nevis.
In his own remarks, Foreign Minister Lin repeated his government’s appreciation for St. Kitts and Nevis’ support to gain a more meaningful level of participation and acceptance in the international community of nations. Lin explained that they have been engaged in an ongoing United Nations campaign for many years, to achieve greater recognition so that they may participate in the affairs of various bodies, including the World Health Assembly, WHA, and other UN special agencies.
This year, said Lin, Taiwan is hoping to participate in the Assembly meeting that is being planned for Ottawa, Canada and they are doing everything possible to make more progress to be amongst the delegation of nations. The support of St. Kitts and Nevis and other nations in this regard, said the Taiwanese Foreign Minister, will be crucial to help meeting the goals they have established.
Minister Lin said his country is very appreciative of the friendship and support that they have enjoyed for the past 30 years, since the establishment of diplomatic relations. This relationship was given birth, firstly under the Administration of Prime Minister Dr. Kennedy Simmonds of the People’s Action Movement, (PAM), and has continued with the government led by Dr. Denzil Douglas.
Lin said that over these three decades they have witnessed tremendous progress in their bilateral relations. Dr. Douglas also expressed similar sentiments when he said there have been times when his government has been very strong in its support for the people of Taiwan, especially in theatres where the Asian nation has no voice.