TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) received the credentials of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ new ambassador to Taiwan, Kenton X. Chance, on Thursday.

Lai said Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have maintained a deep and enduring friendship since establishing diplomatic relations in 1981, according to the Presidential Office. The two countries have achieved fruitful cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, information and communications technology, and healthcare, he said.

The president said he expected closer cooperation in areas such as smart agriculture and smart healthcare in the future.

Lai noted that Chance has extensive experience in media and communications and has strong ties to Taiwan, having earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ming Chuan University. The president said he believes bilateral ties will continue to grow stronger with Chance’s assistance.

Lai also thanked Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for consistently voicing support for Taiwan at major international forums such as the UN General Assembly and the World Health Assembly.

Chance said he gained a deep understanding of Taiwan-Saint Vincent relations while studying in Taiwan. He said his country’s first ambassador to Taiwan, Andrea Clare Bowman, laid a strong foundation for bilateral ties, and that he intends to continue expanding and deepening the relationship.

He said Saint Vincent and the Grenadines values its ties with Taiwan and will continue creating greater benefits for the people of both countries. Chance presented his credentials to Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) on Tuesday.