Jaushieh Joseph Wu
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
August 2, 2021
(As Delivered)
Greetings from Taiwan!
August 15 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. I am honored to join you in paying tribute to the 40-year partnership and celebrate this important milestone together.
In May 2019, I had the pleasure to visit your great country. And only two months later, I accompanied President Tsai Ing-wen on her visit to the beautiful country. Our delegation was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Gonsalves and the Vincentian people. I have very fond memories of the two trips, and I look forward to visiting your beautiful country again.
For decades, Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have engaged in extensive cooperation in many domains, such as agriculture, public health, technology, education and infrastructure. Numerous projects bear testament to our robust partnership. For instance, the Rabacca[ra-BA-ka] Bridge, completed in 2007, has greatly facilitated transportation for Vincentians, especially those who live north of the Rabacca Dry River. Another successful example was Argyle[AR-gail] International Airport, inaugurated in 2017, and has become a gateway to the country for both Vincentians and overseas travelers.
I would also like to give you an example of our bilateral cooperation in education which is one of the fundamental aspects of national development. No country can achieve sustainable development without substantial investment in human capital. To promote educational exchanges, Taiwan has offered both Taiwan Scholarships and ICDF scholarships to over 200 young Vincentians. Currently, near eighty students are participating in various programs. I am confident that once they finish their studies in Taiwan, they will return home and make important contributions to your country.
Looking back over the past 40 years, the relationship between Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has grown and flourished. And we continue to work together for mutual benefit. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been cooperating to prevent and control the spread of the virus. By sharing experience and medical supplies, both of our countries have achieved a fair degree of anti-pandemic success.
Taiwan has also firmly stood with Saint Vincent as it faced the challenges posed by the eruptions of the volcano La Soufrière [la-SO-FRE]. Taiwan’s government and society have been involved in emergency relief efforts, including sending a reconstruction team to Saint Vincent. I believe through our joint efforts, the people of Saint Vincent can return to their normal life soon.
In closing, on behalf of our government and people, I would like to express my gratitude to the leaders of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for voicing support for Taiwan at numerous international events. I am confident that, through joint efforts, our friendship will continue to grow from strength to strength in the years to come. Allow me to convey my warmest congratulations to the people of our two countries as we celebrate this important milestone of 40-year anniversary.
Thank you!