BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, August 9, 2022 (MMS-SKN) — President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Her Excellency Dr Tsai Ing-wen, on Saturday August 6, sent a message of congratulations to the Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, who was sworn in as the fourth Prime Minister of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. “On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your election as Prime Minister of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis. I wish you every success in your new role, and I am confident that Saint Christopher and Nevis will thrive under your capable leadership,” said President Tsai Ing-wen. “Taiwan and Saint Christopher and Nevis have been staunch diplomatic allies since 1983. United by our shared values of democracy, freedom, the rule of law, and respect of human rights, our two nations have forged a strong and mutually beneficial partnership. I cordially invite you to visit Taiwan at your earliest convenience to further strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two countries.”
The congratulatory letter was hand delivered to Prime Minister Drew by Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) His Excellency Michael Lin at Government House immediately after the swearing-in ceremony. Ambassador Lin explained that President Tsai had followed the elections closely and signed the congratulatory letter as soon as the results were known on Saturday morning. He noted that Taiwan was the first country to recognise St. Kitts and Nevis as an independent country following independence on September 19, 1983, when the only living National Hero Sir Dr. Kennedy Simmonds led a delegation to Taiwan to sign a joint communiqué to officially establish diplomatic relations. The two countries share the common values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law, have closely cooperated on projects in agriculture, public health, ICT, women empowerment, environmental protection and renewable energy, and St. Kitts and Nevis has been a strong supporter of Taiwan’s participation in international organisations including the United Nations, World Health Organisation and International Civil Aviation Organisation.