TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Saint Kitts and Nevis wants deeper cooperation with Taiwan, Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew said on Saturday (June 22).
Drew told Taiwan News his visit was a demonstration that bilateral ties remain strong despite a change in leadership. However, he aimed to “build on that relationship” with new President Lai Ching-te (賴清德).
Drew said renewable energy is a major area where the two countries can collaborate. Saint Kitts and Nevis launched its Sustainable Island State Project in 2023 to achieve the U.N.’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The nation is pursuing solar, geothermal, and wind energy projects, he said, adding that wave energy could also be a potential energy source.
As island countries, Taiwan and Saint Kitts and Nevis understand the impact of climate change, Drew said. “Cooperation to deal with these more acute weather issues that are affecting us is where I want to go,” he said.
Water security is another area of cooperation, as Saint Kitts and Nevis has become one of the most water-scarce nations in the world, Drew said. This is where Taiwan's private sector can be involved, he said. More investment would bolster bilateral relations while benefiting the Caribbean nation and Taiwan’s companies.
It is an opportunity for Taiwan “to have a larger footprint in a critical region,” he added.
Cybersecurity and disinformation are also serious concerns for Saint Kitts and Nevis, Drew said. The nation often sends officials to attend global workshops to bolster its cybersecurity, he said, noting that it would be devastating if its banks and government institutions were attacked.
The prime minister said the director of the country’s information service office ensures the government provides easily accessible and accurate information for its citizens to combat disinformation. This way, people can “know that the information is bona fide.”
Drew called Taiwan a partner with which Saint Kitts and Nevis “can share some experiences and really learn from their best practices.”
The prime minister praised the mutually beneficial relationship between Saint Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan and said he wanted to see it advance.
“This is a progressive country and we want to wish all the people of this great country well,” he said of Taiwan. Drew also pledged to continue speaking up for the East Asian nation in international fora.
Drew is in Taiwan from June 22-26 to visit businesses and cultural facilities. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two countries “have closely cooperated in healthcare, education, and tourism, yielding significant benefits for the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis.”
Taiwan established diplomatic ties with the Caribbean nation in October 1983.
