TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Tuesday that Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will deepen cooperation in areas that benefit people in both countries.
Speaking after welcoming Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Godwin Friday and his wife with a military ceremony, Lai thanked Friday for choosing Taiwan as his first overseas destination since taking office. He said the visit reflected the strong friendship between the two diplomatic allies.
CNA reported that the visit comes as Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines mark 45 years of diplomatic relations. Lai said he hopes the two countries will continue supporting each other internationally while expanding practical cooperation.
Lai thanked Friday and his government for consistently supporting Taiwan's participation in international organizations and activities. He said closer cooperation could create more opportunities and benefits for people in both countries.
Youth exchanges are one area where cooperation has grown, Lai said. Taiwan's overseas youth programs have brought young people from both countries together for exchanges in smart agriculture and sustainable tourism.
Lai said he hopes more young Taiwanese will visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to study and gain international experience. He also welcomed more young Vincentians to Taiwan, saying such exchanges could help younger generations better understand each other and carry on the countries' friendship.
Agriculture is another major area of cooperation, with Lai highlighting a Taiwan-supported smart farming project at Orange Hill. The project includes a plant factory growing fresh produce and programs helping young farmers produce high-quality agricultural products, per Economic Daily News.
Lai said produce from the project is increasingly being used by local hotels and tourism businesses. He said the program is creating business opportunities while encouraging more young people to enter agriculture.
Friday said Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have built a strong foundation for cooperation and should further develop their partnership to address shared challenges and opportunities. He thanked Taiwan for its long-term support and said relations between the two countries are closer than ever, per Liberty Times.
Friday said the two countries are ready to turn their long friendship into an even stronger partnership. Their governments are negotiating an economic cooperation agreement aimed at increasing bilateral trade and are also working on mutual recognition of official documents and driver's licenses.
Lai said strong diplomatic relations are built through years of continued cooperation. He called on both sides to bring new energy to the partnership and open a new chapter in Taiwan-Saint Vincent and the Grenadines relations.
