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Taipei, Aug. 20 (CNA):- Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Timothy Harris lauded the cooperative projects between Taiwan and the Caribbean country and expressed hope for more Taiwanese investment during a visit here Thursday.

The programs of cooperation have helped cement relations between the two countries, Harris told CNA in an interview.

He cited as an example the two countries’ more than 30 years of close cooperation in agriculture, which have included achievements such as the introduction of new varieties of fruits to St. Kitts and Nevis and improvements in the quality of its agricultural products.

Bilateral cooperation also covers the area of renewable energy, he said, pointing out that a Taiwanese company has provided solar energy to St. Kitts and Nevis.

“We are grateful for this area of cooperation,” he said.

The prime minister also expressed hope for more Taiwanese investment in his country and further cooperation in the areas of health care and information and communications technology.

Noting that he visited Cathay General Hospital earlier Thursday to learn more about Taiwan’s health care system, he said he hoped Taiwan will send more medial specialists to his country to help improve medical services there.

Further cooperation in the area of technology is also desired as the Caribbean ally is trying to develop e-government to improve the activities of public sector organizations through the use of information and communications technology, according to Harris.

Meanwhile, Harris met with President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) earlier in the day, during which both leaders affirmed the friendship between the two sides.

They also discussed the possibilities of expanding bilateral cooperation, Harris said.

“We’re very positive about the cooperation,” he said, while expressing hope that joint projects will continue.

He also reaffirmed that St. Kitts and Nevis will always be “a very good friend” for Taiwan.

Harris is on his first visit to Taiwan since he was elected prime minister in February, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. He had previously made seven visits to the country when he served as foreign minister, finances minister and agriculture minister, the ministry said.

It believes his visit will help advance bilateral ties.

St. Kitts and Nevis established diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1983. It is one of Taiwan’s 22 diplomatic allies, half of which are in Central America and the Caribbean.

(By Elaine Hou)
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