TAIWAN-St. Vincent PM arrives in Taiwan on official five-day visit.

TAIPEI, Taiwan, CMC -St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday on Tuesday pledged that his new Unity Labor Party (ULP) administration is ready to usher in a “next chapter” in the 45-year diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, while calling for increased Taiwanese investment to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Friday, who led his ULP to victory in the November 27 general election last year, ending more than two decades of rule by former prime minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, is paying his first official visit to the Asian country.

Speaking at a military welcome ceremony hosted by President Lai Ching-te, Prime Minister Friday said more than four decades of diplomatic relations have laid a strong foundation for future cooperation.

“St. Vincent and the Grenadines was still a young nation when we started our relationship on August 15, 1981, having gained political independence less than two years prior,” he said, as he reflected on the existing relationship that has led to the two countries becoming more than friends.

“We are partners in a world that is yet to enable Taiwan to contribute fully to international forums and in vital organizations,” he said, thanking Taiwan for investing in his country and its people over the past 45 years.

Before his arrival here, the Central News Agency (CAN) had reported that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is one of 12 countries that maintain diplomatic relations with the Republic of China, and that “concerns emerged that the long-standing ally could switch diplomatic recognition” after Friday’s New Democratic Party (NDP) won the general election.

China regards Taiwan as a renegade province and has been urging countries to accept its “One China” policy.

But Prime Minister Friday told the welcoming ceremony on Tuesday that he is pledging his government’s continued support for Taiwan’s bid to participate in international forums, including the United Nations and its specialized agencies, as well as organizations such as Interpol.

Friday said his new government had identified four pillars for future economic development: agriculture, tourism, the blue economy and the new economy.

He said the blue economy includes fisheries, marinas and other maritime industries, while the new economy includes sports, the creative industries, entertainment and information technology.

“St. Vincent and the Grenadines welcomes investors in every sector, particularly those that I just mentioned,” he said, adding that even modest investment “can go a long way to creating more opportunities and providing good jobs for our people.”

“I am ready to work with you to write the next chapter of this 45-year relationship. I am prepared for partnership,” he said.

President Lai welcomed Prime Minister Friday with a military honors ceremony at the Presidential Office, which included a 21-gun salute, and thanked him for choosing Taiwan as his first overseas destination since taking office eight months ago.

Lai said that the decision demonstrated the two countries’ “staunch and robust diplomatic ties” to the international community and that Taipei was “deeply moved” by St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ steadfast support for its international participation and valued the friendship between the two countries as they marked the anniversary of diplomatic relations.

“Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with St. Vincent and the Grenadines across all sectors. Through a diverse range of programs, we can continue to enhance the welfare of both our peoples,” Lai said.

Prime Minister Friday is leading a delegation on a five-day visit and will attend events marking the anniversary of diplomatic relations and participate in an investor roundtable bringing together the Vincentian delegation and prospective Taiwanese investors, according to the two governments.