Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 19, 2013 (SKNIS): The President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) , His Excellency Ma Ying-jeou was warmly welcomed to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis yesterday, August 18, at the R.L Bradshaw International Airport for a state visit which signifies 30 years of a strong diplomatic relationship and the strengthening of the bond in years to come.
The Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas stated on the President’s arrival that “if the past 30 years have taught us only one thing…it is that, where the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is concerned, distance, great though it may be, has been rendered irrelevant in the face of the bonds of friendship and cooperation and collaboration and mutual respect that connect our nations and have gotten stronger these passing years.”
further noted that when St. Kitts and Nevis attained independence in 1983 the ROC (Taiwan) was among the first nations to establish diplomatic ties.
President Ma outlined why the Federation has been such an important diplomatic ally.
“Over the past years our two countries have assisted each other in the international community and international development through cooperation and exchanges in tourism, green energy, agriculture, human resource, education and culture.”
The President also stated that his visit will deepen his understanding of the two country’s bilateral cooperation and exchanges.
His Excellency spent yesterday at a number of activities including signing an Extradition Treaty at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort after which he visited the Agro Tourism Demonstration Farm in Sir Gilles Sandy Point. He also enjoyed presentations at the historic Brimstone Hill National Park. The President’s day of activities culminated with an official state Dinner hosted by Governor General His Excellency Sir Edmund Lawrence.
This morning, August 19, the President made his way to the Silver Jubilee Stadium to jog with the young athletes of the Federation. President Ma also visited the Solar Farm situated at the R. L. Bradshaw International Airport.
He will shortly make a courtesy call on Prime Minister Douglas at Government Headquarters where he will sign a Joint Communique at the National Assembly Chambers.
The Federation will bid farewell to the President this afternoon at the airport.