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Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 12, 2019 (SKNIS): President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Her Excellency (H.E.) Dr. Tsai Ing-wen, who arrives in St. Kitts and Nevis on Saturday, July 13, as part of a three night stay for an official state visit will pay a call on several historical sites in St. Kitts and Nevis, hold private meetings with the Governor General, His Excellency Sir. S.W. Tapley Seaton and Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris and be the first President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to visit Nevis. The President’s visit comes as part of a Caribbean tour that includes four friends of Taiwan, namely the Republic of Haiti, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Saint Lucia. 

The president will participate in a number of activities in St. Kitts and on Nevis. Such activities in Nevis will include a luncheon hosted by Premier of Nevis, the Honourable Mark Brantley, a ground breaking ceremony at the site for Pinneys Beach Recreation Park; laying of wreath at the Christena Disaster Memorial and a visit to the Museum of Nevis History, and Hamilton House. In St. Kitts, the president is expected to witness the Signing Ceremony of a Technical and Vocational Education Cooperation Agreement; tour Government House; engage in a tree planting ceremony and attend a State Banquet.

H.E. Dr. Tsai Ing-wen will also visit the Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in St. Kitts. She will learn about the history of the Fortress, the restoration work that has been undertaken there, and attend a showcase of local culture, dance and music.  She will also visit the Berkeley Memorial and City Centre. 

An official press release from the Office of the President stated that President Tsai Ing-wen will lead a delegation on a state visit to Haiti, St. Christopher and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and St. Lucia from July 11-22. The release further stated that the purpose of this visit is to demonstrate the importance Taiwan places on its Caribbean allies and continues to strengthen its friendly ties with them.

During a press conference to announce the president’s visit, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Miguel Li-Jey Tsao, said that “this state visit centers around the themes of freedom, democracy, and sustainability because the four Caribbean countries President Tsai’s delegation will be visiting…are all free, democratic, like-minded partners of Taiwan. All these countries actively promote democracy and freedom in the region. During this state visit, the delegation will visit Taiwan’s various cooperative programs helping to promote sustainable development in these countries, and we will work to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”