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Taipei,Republic of China (Taiwan)(August 20th 2015):-  Today, August 20, 2015, the relationship between the governments of Saint Kitts and Nevis led by Dr. the Honorable Timothy Harris and the Government of Republic of China (Taiwan) was further strengthened as Prime Minister Harris held discussions with H.E. Ma Ying-jeou, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) at the Presidential Palace in Taipei.

In his opening statement, President Ma noted that throughout its young history as a nation, Saint Kitts and Nevis has been a faithful partner and friend to Taiwan. Additionally, he expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government and people of Taiwan for the strong support offered by the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis for Taiwan’s inclusion into various Agencies and Institutions in the United Nations. President Ma also highlighted some of the projects sponsored by Taiwan that are currently being implemented in the Federation, and expressed the willingness for his government to expand the scope of the cooperation in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

In response, Prime Minister, Dr. the Honorable Timothy Harris recounted the history and level of cooperation between the two countries beginning with an agricultural mission in 1981 that has continued to the present day. He stated further, “Over time our relations have evolved and expanded. From the L.E.D. lights that illuminate our roads, to capacity building through the well-established scholarship program…from the Solar farm that reduces the cost of electricity to the Eco-park built using Taiwanese cutting edge technologies…our people have grown closer and our ties have been reaffirmed.” Prime Minister Harris also reiterated the commitment of Saint Kitts and Nevis to lend its voice to the cause of inclusion of the Republic of China (Taiwan) as a credible and important partner in global affairs. “ We have no doubt that Taiwan has proven to be a strong, steady and supportive partner in many ways that are tangible and lasting. Taiwan has left an indelible footprint on our landscape and in our hearts, and in recognition of Taiwan as a technologically advanced nation, a compassionate and committed friend, and a responsible partner, Saint Kitts and Nevis will unreservedly continue to advocate for Taiwan’s inclusion and acceptance as a global player on a global stage”, Prime Minister Harris stated.

Definitive areas that were mentioned by the Honorable Prime Minister included health care services, e-government and renewable energy. In the ensuing discussions, President Ma recalled his visit to the Federation in 2013 and his impression of the solar farm stating that he was quite surprised at the strength and consistency of the wind at the Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw airport and identified wind farms as potentially viable sources. President Ma also stated that there were Taiwanese firms that were already active in the area of renewable energy in other friendly allied states including St. Kitts and Nevis and that the government of Taiwan will expand the scope of its support to the Federation.

The discussions between the two leaders continued at a banquet held in honor of the Prime Minister and included members of the business community and the health care sector. Also present, were faculty from National Yang Ming University, a leading University in the field of health education that Prime Minister Harris had visited during the day. President Ma stated that Taiwan would put the strength of its expertise in health care delivery to the benefit of friendly countries like Saint Kitts and Nevis similar to Cuba’s model of international cooperation in the area of health care. Also invited to the banquet were Chairman Mike Hung, a Taiwanese businessman with an investment in the Eco-Park in St. Kitts, and former Ambassador to the Federation, H.E. Miguel Tsao.

Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the Embassy of Saint Christopher and Nevis in Taiwan where he will meet with students from the Federation before concluding this official visit.