Issues discussed in Taiwan will advance interests of Basseterre and Taipei

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Resident Ambassador to the Republic of China on Taiwan, Her Excellency, Ms. Jasmine Huggins; St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas and Taiwan’s Resident Ambassador to St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Miguel Tsao outside the St. Kitts and Nevis Embassy in Taipei (photo by Erasmus Williams)

TAIPEI, TAIWAN, MARCH 13TH 2011(CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas concluded a one-week visit to the Republic of China on Taiwan Saturday saying that matters discussed and the possibilities explored while in Taipei were carefully selected based on their potential to advance the interests of both of our nations.

Prime Minister Douglas said he looks forward to continuing to work with Taiwan’s Resident Ambassador, His Excellency Miguel Tsao, upon his return to St. Kitts and Nevis “to advance both these and other matters of significant bilateral import.”

“St. Kitts and Nevis and The Republic of China on Taiwan share a bond that was forged some three decades ago, and from that time until this, our relationship has grown from strength to strength, buoyed by a spirit of mutual respect, mutual support, and the highest standards of cooperation and collaboration,” said Dr. Douglas in a statement.

“On behalf of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis, I express deepest appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of China on Taiwan for the outstanding level of graciousness and hospitality that you have shown to my delegation over the past week,” said the Prime Minister.

“To this outstanding nation I say, once again, thank you for your friendship. And I take this opportunity to once again express and re-affirm our friendship toward this country as well,” said Dr. Douglas, who led a seven-person delegation to the Asian nation.

Prime Minister Douglas commented on the 8.9 magnitude earthquake – and the ensuring tsunami – that have wreaked havoc throughout the Pacific basin over the past 48 hours.

“Taiwan was mercifully spared. Thankfully, so were many of its neighbours . Japan, however, did not fare as well. And so, our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Japan, who have been so tragically affected by this disaster,” said Dr. Douglas who reminded of both the unpredictability of life, as well as the interconnections between, and interdependence of, all of mankind.