October 10, 2024
No. 342
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon on October 8 to welcome a delegation from Saint Lucia led by President of the Senate Alvina Reynolds and Speaker of the House of Assembly Claudius J. Francis. The delegation was in Taiwan to attend National Day celebrations. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral cooperation projects, developments across the Taiwan Strait and the region, and other issues.
In his remarks, Minister Lin said that Saint Lucia was an important ally of Taiwan in the Caribbean. He commended the numerous achievements that the two countries had realized in their close cooperation over the years, including in such areas as education, technology, public health, infrastructure, and women’s and youth empowerment. He stated that Taiwan would implement integrated diplomacy—a three-pillar policy comprising values-based diplomacy, alliance-based diplomacy, and economic and trade diplomacy—to further strengthen its partnership with Saint Lucia.
Minister Lin also thanked Saint Lucia for its long-standing commitment to supporting Taiwan’s international participation. He pointed out that such staunch backing had been reflected in the endorsement of Saint Lucia Foreign Minister Alva Baptiste at this year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and in his emphasis that UNGA Resolution 2758 did not preclude Taiwan’s meaningful involvement in the UN system.
President Reynolds and Speaker Francis both expressed appreciation for Taiwan’s warm and heartfelt hospitality and extended congratulations to Taiwan on the occasion of its National Day. Recognizing Taiwan’s long-term assistance to Saint Lucia in education, public health, agriculture, youth development, and other domains, they pledged to build on the existing foundation of friendship and cooperation to further deepen the countries’ alliance.
President Reynolds and Speaker Francis first visited Taiwan in 2012. Their presence once again 12 years later to attend National Day celebrations demonstrates strong support for the diplomatic relationship between Taiwan and Saint Lucia. The delegation arrived on October 7 and will conclude its visit on October 11. (E)