Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines marked 45 years of diplomatic ties Wednesday, August 12, with a reception hosted by the Foreign Ministry and the Vincentian embassy, attended by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and visiting Prime Minister Godwin Friday.

Lai said the event highlighted shared principles between the two maritime democracies, which he said have stood together through an ever-changing environment on the basis of mutual trust and reciprocity. 

The president said, “Prime Minister Friday and I both have a strong resolve to open up an even longer future for our bilateral ties and welcome an even more brilliant next 45 years.” 

Lai noted deepening cooperation in industry exchanges, talent development, and infrastructure bringing people closer and cementing the partnership.

In response to the growing threats of rising authoritarianism and global challenges including climate change, public health, and digital security, Lai called for unity among democratic partners to build tighter international networks to safeguard global peace and prosperity. He specifically encouraged Vincentian students in Taiwan to engage more deeply in this relationship and to consider Taiwan as a second home.

Friday praised Taiwan’s democratic achievements, economic development, and technological strength, and reiterated Saint Vincent’s support for Taiwan’s international participation. 

“That includes the United Nations and its specialized agencies, such as the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, and support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the World Health Assembly, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and INTERPOL,” Friday said. 

Both leaders expressed hope that new approaches to emerging problems would bring fresh progress and further deepen bilateral ties.