President Tsai Ing-wen, accompanied by Vice President Chen Chien-jen and Mrs. Chen, hosted a state banquet for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and Mrs. Gonsalves on the evening of August 7.
Today August 8, is a special day. It is the prime minister’s birthday, as well as Father’s in Taiwan.
To make it even more memorable, the prime minister unveiled the-plaque for the new Embassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Tsai on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, wished PM Gonsalves happy birthday and Father’s Day.
Gonsalves delivered remarks, saying that he was delighted to have been so warmly received by President Tsai.
He noted that his current trip marked the 11th time he has visited Taiwan, and his 10th as prime minister.
Each of his visits, he said, fortifies the esteem in which he holds this land, the Republic of China (Taiwan).
For 38 of the 40 years that SVG has been an independent country, it has enjoyed strong diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
We have many things in common, he said, and as island nations we face the vagaries of climate change and a complicated global political economy.
Our bilateral friendship, however, does not mean enmity to any other nation. Indeed, SVG is a friend to all nations, and through such friendships, we strive for a better world.
Prime Minister Gonsalves expressed hope that Taiwan and SVG may continue to work together to promote global peace, security, prosperity, and sustainable development.
