TAIPEI, Taiwan, Aug 12, CMC -Taiwan and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Wednesday marked the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between them with the leaders pledging to deepen their existing cooperation.
“In many other ways you may know, our relationship has grown stronger over those 45 years,” said Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday, who is leading an official delegation to the Asian country until Saturday.
“It has evolved from one of the formality of establishing diplomatic relations to engaging in technical missions, to fostering stronger economic ties that involve the private and public sectors, and to massively expanding educational opportunities,” he said, adding “my hope is that when our two countries gather for the 50th anniversary of our relationship, we will be able to say that that relationship has grown”.
Prime MInister Friday told the ceremony that he hoped to see more Vincentian and Taiwanese businesses working together to create opportunities and “enriching our two nations.”
President Lai Ching-te in welcoming Prime Minister Friday on his first official visit to Taiwan, described it as a “demonstration of strong friendship with Taiwan and an opportunity to witness this important historical milestone.”
He said while world has faced many new challenges over the past 45 years, “but no matter how things change, our nations have always supported one another and walked shoulder to shoulder, upholding the spirit of mutual trust and mutual benefit”.
Lai also told Vincentian students attending the reception that the Taiwanese government hoped more young people would bear witness to and participate in the two countries’ diplomatic relationship, bringing new energy to bilateral collaboration.
“I do hope that you make Taiwan your home away from home, and I want to tell you that we are all a family,” he added.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is one of 12 countries that maintain diplomatic relations with the Republic of China. The two countries established diplomatic ties on August 15, 1981.
Prior to his arrival here, the Central News Agency (CAN) had reported that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is one of 12 countries that maintain diplomatic relations with the Republic of China, and that “concerns emerged that the long-standing ally could switch diplomatic recognition” after Friday’s New Democratic Party (NDP) won the general election.
China regards Taiwan as a renegade province and as been urging countries to accept its “One China” policy.
During his visit here Prime Minister Friday will also participate in an investor roundtable bringing together the Vincentian delegation and prospective Taiwanese investors.
CMC/ihc/ir/2026